Elderberry Syrup Now that we're in Autumn, the days are getting shorter and the colder air is moving in. As much as I love this time of year, I need to think ahead to the cold and flu season and prepare my medicine cabinet for winter. Because of Elder's affinity for the respiratory system, it's our herbal ally for October. Elder - October's Herbal Ally Botanical Information Elder (Sambucus nigra and S. canadensis) is a deciduous, rapidly growing shrub or small tree in the Ado