Sumra Honey Benefits: Yemen's Traditional Honey for the Stomach

Ask a family in Hadramout which honey is for the stomach and many will say Sumra. It is the dark honey of Wadi Doan, made after the rain from the flowers of the acacia, and for generations it has been the honey Yemenis keep for digestion. This page sets out those Sumra honey benefits as Yemen knows them, and what research has studied so far, each labelled.

Sumra honey benefits at a glance

What Yemeni tradition says

• The honey for the stomach and digestion, widely preferred to Sidr for this.
• Taken on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
• Paired with Sidr by many families, especially for the stomach.
• Taken for energy, and in winter for the chest, second only to Sal.

What research has studied

• A 2008 study in animal models of inflammatory bowel conditions reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Arabic sources describe digestive enzymes, a lower sugar concentration and higher acidity than Sidr, and a higher iron content.

These are traditions and early findings, not medical claims. Honey is a food; see your doctor for any health condition.

The honey Yemen keeps for the stomach

In Yemen, Sidr is the honey you serve and give; Sumra is the one many families keep for themselves. It is traditionally taken for the stomach and for bloating, and on an empty stomach for what Yemenis call digestive cleansing. Many Yemenis rank it above Sidr for the gut.

How Sumra is taken

On an empty stomach

One spoonful first thing in the morning, before food, then water or tea after a few minutes.

With Sidr

Half Sumra, half Sidr, or a spoon of each. It is the combination we are asked about most, and the one Yemeni families have used for generations. Try it with the Sidr & Sumra Set.

In warm drinks

Stirred into tea or warm water once it has cooled below 40°C. Heat breaks down raw honey's enzymes.

Other Sumra traditions

• Energy. A spoonful for the day's work, as with other Yemeni honeys.
• Winter. For the chest, Yemenis reach for Sal first and Sumra second.
• Hospitality. Served with dates to guests who know its depth.

What research has studied so far

The science on Sumra is thin, which is part of why we write about it.

• The 2008 study: researchers looked at Sumra honey in animal models of inflammatory bowel conditions and reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It was an animal study, not a human trial.
• Composition: Arabic sources describe Sumra as lower in sugar concentration and higher in acidity than Sidr, with digestive enzymes and a higher iron content.
• What is missing: human studies, and a Total Activity (TA) test. Our Sidr is tested every season; our Sumra has not been yet. We would like to see that done, and we will publish any result here.

Why our Sumra

• From Wadi Doan, by the same beekeeper as our Sidr, who has worked with our founder Tawfik since 2011.
• Harvested in May and June, only after rain.
• Raw, unheated and unblended.
• Judged blind at Great Taste 2026 and awarded 2 stars: "A super honey, complex and interesting."

See Yemeni Sumra Honey, or read the full Sumra honey guide.

Who should take care

• Diabetes: Sumra is lower in sugar than many honeys but is still a sugar-rich food. Ask your doctor.
• Allergies: avoid if you are allergic to bee products.
• Babies: no honey is suitable for infants under 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of Sumra honey?

In Yemeni tradition, Sumra is the honey for the stomach and digestion, taken on an empty stomach and often paired with Sidr. Research is early: one 2008 animal study.

Is Sumra better than Sidr for digestion?

Many Yemenis believe so, and it is the traditional choice for the stomach. There are no studies comparing the two.

Can I take Sumra every day?

The Yemeni habit is a spoonful a day. Remember it is still a sugar-rich food.

Sources

• Great Taste 2026: Yemeni Sumra Honey, 2-Star
• 2008 animal study on Sumra honey: citation to add before publishing