Having read a chapter on Elder in a book Tree Medicine Tree Magic by Ellen Evert Hopman there is a long list of practical uses and by decocting the leaves of Elder you can make a natural insecticide which repels aphids and caterpillars. To fend of mosquito's crush and rub leaves on the face or a hat. An infusion of fresh leaves is a mosquito gnat repellent when worn on the skin and also repels mice and moles when poured into their holes!
