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]
  • Comments

  • Elixir: In the Valley at the End of Time

    Kapka Kassabova

    Cape, pp. 400, £20

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading for free

Subscribe today to get 3 months’ free digital access.

  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828
  • Plus, three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph

Read next

Trending

Jonathan Miller

It’s a pity Thierry Breton didn’t resign sooner

Jonathan Miller
The spectacular resignation of Thierry Breton from the European Commission suggests that the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is not quite as useless as her numerous critics suggest. Breton’s departure was overdue. Credit to von der Leyen for wielding the long knife. Breton’s arrogance was exceeded only by his uselessness. After Mario

Also in Book Reviews

Also by Mark Cocker

Latest

Comments

Join the debate for free — this month only

This month, be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for free. We’ll also give you three months’ free digital access to the Telegraph.

Already a subscriber? Log in