Elder (Sambucus nigra) NL:Vlier, today. I’m running a little workshop on this incredible shrub tomorrow morning (see events page). At the moment in Amsterdam, it is covered in medicinal foliage. All green parts of the plant contain a toxin which our bodies convert into cyanide. So ingesting Elder leaves is not wise but turning them into an infused oil or ointment can produce very useful external remedies. I like to make an ointment with Elder for healing of skin wounds, bruises and bumps. It’s very effective.