Tasneem Essajee’s relationship with Yemeni honey began in an unexpected way. Initially, she was not a fan of honey, but experienced a transformative shift during Ashara Mubaraka, when the global leader of the Dawoodi Bohras, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, shared insights on the virtues of honey—particularly from Yemen’s Do’an Valley. He highlighted its unique health benefits and spiritual significance.
Tasneem’s appreciation for Yemeni Sidr honey deepened when a family member brought back a small jar of Yemeni Sidr honey for her mother-in-law, who was undergoing treatment for a major disease at the time. Consuming the honey brought her much needed comfort and relief for the first time in days.
The unexpected benefits of Yemeni honey
From that point, Tasneem and her family began noticing remarkable effects in digestive issues and hay fever symptoms that troubled them each year. Realising the only recent change was the addition of Yemeni honey, Tasneem became fascinated by its origins and benefits.
She discovered that Yemeni honey is derived from the Sidr or Lote tree, which holds historical significance for its medicinal uses across cultures. The bees that produce this honey do so in the isolated Do’an Valley in Hadramaut, Yemen, where the absence of cross-pollination preserves its purity and healing qualities.
Building a business grounded in faith
Determined to share the benefits of Yemeni honey, Tasneem embarked on a new business venture. Despite initial concerns from family members, she remained resolute and determined in her pursuit.
As she explored further, she discovered that, unlike mass-produced varieties, Yemeni honey is traditionally harvested twice a year by hand, ensuring that its potent benefits remain intact. This process, steeped in tradition, yields a honey highly valued for its purity and exceptional quality.
“What began as a personal remedy transformed into a business grounded in faith and tradition. Yemeni honey is more than a product; it embodies a philosophy of health, purity, and respect for nature that I hope to share with others,” said Tasneem.
Guided by the principles of faith and a commitment to ecological balance, Tasneem’s passion grew into a mission to promote healthier and more mindful living.
Strengthening community bonds through shared values
Tasneem’s journey was also enriched by a strong sense of community as she surrounded herself with like-minded individuals who believed in nature’s healing power. This shared ideal and trust empowered her to persevere in the wake of challenges.
She began experimenting with various Yemeni Sidr infusions to offer more health benefits. From organic ginger, raw turmeric, Iranian saffron, lavender and more recently cinnamon, Tasneem carefully sourced each infusion to complement the powerful properties of the Yemeni honey.
Through her work, she learned that honey is more than just a product; it symbolised a deeper philosophy of mindful consumption, health, and respect for tradition.
“For me, Little Honey UK, is about sharing the gift of healing, as taught in the Quran. It reminds us that natural remedies and ecological balance are central to our well-being,” she explains.
Looking to the future
“As a community, His Holiness has instilled in us the importance of a healthy body and sound mind. The Quran speaks of shifa (healing), and honey embodies this gift of healing. This is what I hope to share through my brand,” said Tasneem.
Tasneem’s journey with Yemeni honey continues to grow. What began as a personal remedy has evolved into a thriving business and a greater understanding of health, spirituality, and purpose. Today, she has expanded her product line to include hand-crafted Yemeni bakhoor (incense), Yemeni coffee, delicious date squares and Persian art, blending ancient traditions with contemporary wellness.