It is said to have many of the same properties as elder, only that they are more powerful, but the plant is described as toxic. However, there are a lot of uses in folk medicine for this plant; the list is almost endless, it has been used against colds, rheumatics, to wash swellings, infected wounds, tea from leaves has been used against gonorrhoea, against cramps in children and for roundworm treatment. The root mixed with brandy was a cure for constipation, being a drastic, dangerous purgative! All this sound a bit too powerful for cordial.