Mark Cocker

Healing herbs in abundance in an unspoilt corner of central Europe

The Mesta region of Bulgaria, where the river meets the forests of the western Rhodope range, remains remarkably intact and rich in wild harvests

Haberlea rhodopensis, or Orpheus flower, also known as a resurrection plant, is a relict from the Ice Age and unique to the Rhodope Mountains. It has long been used in the region against animal diseases, and its potential in the treatment of cancer and the repairing of skin tissue is now being researched. [Alamy]
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  • Elixir: In the Valley at the End of Time

    Kapka Kassabova

    Cape, pp. 400, £20

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