Elder flowers are used as a flavoring in beverages, candies and lozenges, frozen desserts and wines. The fresh flowers are also edible, and elder-flower fritters are a European favorite. The flowers are also used to make a soothing, clearing herbal tea. 

A tried-and-true tea formula to open the pores and dispel heat and stagnation combines equal part of elder flowers, peppermint and yarrow flowers. This tea is always drunk piping hot. 

Elder is sometimes an ingredient in skin salves and ointments. It's also used in skin washes and lotions for its calming effect on the skin. As an ingredient in cosmetics, its skin-refining properties are valued. Elder flower water, which is the hydrosol (the water by-product of steam distillation of an essential oil), is used as a base for skin care products. 

You can make your own elder flower water by making a strong elder flower tea. (Or you can combine elder flowers with lavender and/or calendula flowers.) Let the tea stand until cool, and then add a small amount of vodka or glycerin (to help draw out the non-water soluble constituents from the flowers and act as a preservative). Cover and let stand for a day, then strain and bottle. Another use of elder flowers is as a facial compress for dry or sensitive skin. Soak a piece of muslin in hot elder flower tea, squeeze out the liquid, and apply to face for a minute to help open up the pores and calm and relax the face. Use a cold compress to close the pores and cleanse and soothe the skin.