Founder of Herba Solaris, Eva Marie Walle captures enchanting shapes, touching scents, and fascinating colors for her herbal teas—resulting in beneficial effects on the body, mind, and soul. Walle studied agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, where she was already intensely involved with the cultivation of medicinal plants. Her dedication to preserving, promoting, and utilizing the natural value of plants has been instrumental in her work. Walle is guided by enthusiasm paired with the joy of discovery, making her one of our distinguished Earth Heroes.

Meet Eva

Q: Tell us a bit about the decisions that lead you to become an entrepreneur.

A: It came from my desire to be able to create things and to bring ideas to life. For me, it’s not only about the content created, but the connections to others you make along the way. 

Q: What was the motivation to focus not only on organic cultivation of medicinal plants but on the development of your organic herbal tea line HERBA SOLARIS as well? 

A: It was the enthusiasm and fascination for plant species, plant aromas, and fragrances themselves. I have a desire to share the effect of plant ingredients with people who do not know about it yet. And tea offers an ideal medium for all of these characteristics combined.  

Q: You refer to the Hegau on your website—how has this area in Germany benefited you? Has it changed the way you see or appreciate the Earth?

A: It is rather the people than the countryside I have to say. Of course the climate and soil in Germany is very beneficial for the quality of the plants, but what I appreciate a lot here is the way people behave. Again and again I come across people who are so helpful, friendly, and benevolent—all in a very natural way. That's good for life for me—I can always learn from it.

Q: You produce many wonderful teas, which one is your favorite and why?

A: It’s difficult to say, but if I had to choose one it would be “Einkehr mit Toronjil”—a homage to the wonderful times I spent in the most beautiful medicinal garden in the world founded by the extraordinary doctor Dieter Le Noir in Mexico. The mixture is very helpful to calm the nervous system, and its taste is fantastic. Agastache mexicana is the leading plant in this mixture accompanied by Lavender, Chamomile, and Hypericum.  

Q: What is the best part about your job? What is the most challenging? 

A: The best part about the job is to have a deep relationship with plants. It is satisfying to work with plants knowing that they will help people and their overall health. The contact with people from so many different countries, contact with very interesting personalities is another beautiful aspect of my job. The unpredictable climate conditions and sometimes communication is what I would say the most challenging part is.

Q: Where do you see HERBA SOLARIS in 5 years?

A: We don’t force growth of the brand or create artificial needs for people. Herba Solaris will grow because people will discover it, taste it, and like the taste and quality enough to rebuy the product and recommend it to others. This gives us stability. We still have space in the field, so we keep growing in this manner but once our field is complete we will be happy with it.  

Q: Beyond working on the farm, what do you do to relax and recharge?

A: To relax and recharge, I turn to classical music and running. 

Q: What is one small step (action) that individuals can take that can lead to Earth's journey to recovery? 

A: I think it would be wonderful if people enjoyed the beauty of nature more. To learn from it,  appreciate it, admire it, and develop respect for it. Despite all the scientific knowledge and the urge to understand things down to the last detail, it should not be forgotten that there is still something bigger than us that holds the whole thing together.