friar's balsam

noun

fri·​ar's bal·​sam ˌfrī(-ə)rz- How to pronounce friar's balsam (audio)
: an alcoholic solution containing essentially benzoin, storax, balsam of Tolu, and aloes that is applied topically to the skin (as to relieve irritation) and after addition to hot water as an inhalant with expectorant activity

called also compound benzoin tincture

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Cite this Entry

“Friar's balsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/friar%27s%20balsam. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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