The elder bush is steeped in ancient tradition and folklore. The shrub is said to be protected by a dryad who resides in the wood, a tree spirit by the name of Hylde-Moer. With her permission, however, elder is traditionally used to make instruments, combs and small toys, including the original “pop” gun. The creamy white blossoms are highly fragrant and sweet-tasting when added to tea blends or used to make floral water.
 
Elder is a shrub or small tree in the honeysuckle family native to North America and Asia. The delicate, white flowers are used to make syrups and cordials, as well as tea, soup, wine, brandy and other beverages, such as the fruity liquor known as St. Germain.
Elder flowers are also combined with other herbs, such as chamomile, as ingredients in various hair and skin care preparations. In Russia and the Ukraine, the flowers are sold in pharmacies as a tea for dry cough.