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Happy Holidays from the Umyune Co Team✨

Here’s a festive, holiday-ready mocktail that keeps your ingredients front and center while feeling elevated and celebratory:

Holiday Pomegranate Sparkler Mocktail

Ingredients
• ½ cup sparkling water (well chilled)
• ⅓ cup pomegranate juice
• Handful of whole pomegranate seeds (not crushed)
• Honey, for ri***ng the glass
• Sugar, for ri***ng the glass
• Ice (optional, depending on preference)

Instructions
1. Prepare the rim:
Lightly coat the rim of a coupe or rocks glass with honey, then dip into sugar until evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Assemble the mocktail:
Add pomegranate seeds to the bottom of the glass. If using ice, add a few cubes.
3. Pour:
Add the pomegranate juice, then slowly top with sparkling water to preserve the bubbles.
4. Garnish & serve:
Gently stir once to distribute the seeds. Garnish with a few extra pomegranate arils floating on top for a jewel-toned holiday finish.

Serving tip:
Serve in clear glassware to highlight the ruby color and sparkling bubbles—perfect for holiday gatherings, toasts, or a cozy night in.

Holiday Brain-Boosting Hot Cocoa

This is a personal recipe from our CMO . We tested it in the test kitchen, and are hooked on it. Not going to lie when we say we’ve now made it a few times when off the clock!

“During the holidays I always crave hot cocoa, but my body often deals with inflammation, so I tried to come up with a healthier alternative that still tastes indulgent. Sometimes I add a little extra cacao powder or plain organic cocoa powder if I want it richer.. but this recipe is my tried and true version to make (serves two)”.
Hayley Elizabeth Bird -CMO of Umyune

Why we love this version:
• Lower sugar than traditional hot cocoa
• Lion’s Mane mushroom to support focus + brain health
• Protein-packed to keep blood sugar steady
• Still tastes like a holiday treat, not “health food”

Ingredients:
• 1 can unsweetened coconut cream
• 1 cup oat milk (Hayley brought her own homemade oat milk she made in her but we also love oat or almond milk)
• MycoBrew Cocoa Mix (Lion’s Mane)
• Dream Protein (Keto, Rich Dutch Chocolate)
• 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• Dash of ground cinnamon

How to make it:
1. In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together coconut cream and oat milk until warm and smooth.
2. Add MycoBrew Cocoa Mix and Dream Protein, whisking continuously so it stays silky.
3. Stir in dark chocolate chips until fully melted.
4. Finish with a dash of cinnamon for that holiday warmth.

Optional cozy upgrades:
• Splash of vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt to deepen the chocolate flavor
• Top with coconut whipped cream or shaved dark chocolate

This holiday season I am replacing peanut butter balls (peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla) with + Date Balls (No-Bake Energy Bites).

These are plant-based, no-bake energy bites from Rich Roll and Julie Piatt’s cookbook “The Plantpower Way”.

These are a favorite in my house (teen approved) and perfect for a hit of energy or when craving a sweet treat.

Instead of getting a sugar high and low energy from traditional peanut butter balls, I highly recommend these date balls to bring to holiday gatherings.

Dawn Johnson -Umyune Founder

Ingredients
1 cup raw walnuts or almonds

1 cup pitted dates (Medjool works best)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder

2 tbsp h**p seeds (+ extra for rolling, optional)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp sea salt

1–2 tbsp water (as needed)

Instructions
Pulse nuts in a food processor.

Add cacao, h**p seeds, vanilla, and salt.

Add dates gradually until a sticky dough forms. Add water if needed.

Roll into balls and coat in h**p seeds if desired.

Chill for 30+ minutes.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

TEEN APPROVED HOLIDAY SALAD

This is my go to salad for the holidays!

It’s always a hit and I end up sharing the recipe with everyone. It’s perfect. My only tweak is that I like pomegranates over dried cranberries.

Dawn Johnson- Founder of Umyune

Ingredients
2 bunches lacinato kale (finely chopped)

2 garlic cloves

1/4 cup lemon juice

3–4 tbsp olive oil

Salt + pepper

Dried cranberries (for topping) or pomegranates.

Pecan Parmesan
1 cup toasted pecans

1.5 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tbsp olive oil

Pinch of salt

How to Make
Toast pecans 8–10 min at 300°F

Chop + wash kale

Blend dressing (garlic, lemon, oil, S&P)

Massage into kale

Pulse pecans

Add nooch, oil + salt

Blend to coarse crumbs

Sprinkle over salad
Top with cranberries or I prefer pomegranates.
Chill 30–60 min or enjoy right away!
Best the same day.

Pomegranates: The Ruby Fruit With Real Benefits

Pomegranates aren’t just a seasonal treat — they’re one of the most nutrient-dense fruits you can add to your routine. Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and plant compounds, they’ve earned their place as a true wellness staple.

Why They’re Worth Adding In:

Rich in Antioxidants
Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenols that help protect cells from everyday oxidative stress, supporting long-term health and healthy aging.

Heart-Supportive
Studies show pomegranate juice may help support healthy blood pressure, circulation, and overall cardiovascular function.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Their naturally high antioxidant levels also support the body’s ability to calm inflammation — key for everything from digestion to skin health.

Nutrient-Dense
One cup of seeds is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber to support immunity, hydration, and digestive balance.

Great for Skin Health
The antioxidants and vitamin C can help protect the skin barrier and promote a healthy, natural glow from the inside out.

Easy Ways to Use Them
Sprinkle the seeds on salads, oat bowls, yogurt, or mocktails — or blend into smoothies for a bright, tart boost.

Activated Charcoal: A Wellness Staple We Always Keep On Hand (we take capsules).

Activated charcoal has been used since ancient times, and for good reason. It works through adsorption—its porous, oxygen-treated surface attracts and binds toxins, gas, and unwanted compounds as it moves through the gut unchanged.

Think of it as a tiny sponge helping carry things out of the body instead of allowing them to be absorbed.

Why We Love It
• Eases gas, bloating, and general digestive discomfort
• Supports detox after exposure to mold, radiation, poisons, or pesticides
• May help lower LDL and raise HDL
• Helpful during food poisoning
• May support kidney function
• Used for hangovers
• Filters water
• Whitens teeth
• Supports detox protocols
• Helps with diarrhea
• Even used in natural deodorants

When We Reach for It
During travel, dining out, holidays, or anytime we’ve overindulged—activated charcoal may help the body stay balanced and prevent becoming overly acidic. We take it 1–2 hours away from food or medications so it binds to toxins instead. Pills are the easiest option, and we always pair them with a full glass of water. Look for charcoal made from coconut shells or bamboo for a cleaner source.

Is It Safe?
Activated charcoal is generally considered safe, and adverse reactions are rare.

A simple, powerful tool to support the body when it needs a little extra help.

Rosemary Water: A Simple Ritual with Multifaceted Benefits

Rosemary has long been recognized for its restorative properties, and rosemary water offers an accessible way to experience those benefits daily. With just fresh rosemary and water, you can create a versatile infusion that supports both inner and outer well-being.

How to Prepare
Simmer fresh rosemary sprigs in water for 10–15 minutes. Allow it to steep, then strain. Use warm, chilled, or as a base for additional blends.

Ways to Incorporate Rosemary Water into Your Routine

1. A Calming, Clarifying Tea
Boiled rosemary water can be sipped as a gentle herbal tea. It supports digestion, eases occasional bloating, and offers a naturally uplifting aroma that promotes mental clarity.

2. Scalp & Hair Support
Once cooled, apply as a hair rinse or mist. Rosemary water is traditionally used to encourage healthy circulation at the scalp, support fuller-looking hair, and enhance natural shine.

3. Oil-Balancing Scalp Tonic
Applied directly to the scalp, rosemary water can help balance excess oil and refresh the roots between washes — a simple step that maintains a clean, balanced environment for hair growth.

4. Antioxidant-Rich Skin Mist
Spritz cooled rosemary water onto clean skin for a light, antioxidant boost. Its gentle toning properties help refresh, clarify, and awaken the complexion.

5. Aromatherapeutic Clarity
Use warm rosemary water in a bowl or diffuser-safe vessel to subtly scent your space. Its invigorating, herbaceous aroma supports focus and a renewed sense of presence.

6. Culinary Enhancement
Use rosemary-infused water as a cooking base for grains, vegetables, or broths. It imparts a subtle herbal depth that elevates everyday meals.

7. Restorative Bath Addition
Add rosemary water to a warm bath to soothe the body, relax the senses, and create a grounding at-home wellness ritual.

Weleda Skin Food Light - has become one of our founder ’s winter skincare staples.

As a celebrity MUA constantly working onset, it gives intense hydration without feeling heavy or greasy—perfect for dry, tight, or wind-chapped skin (she never knows the condition of skin she may have to do makeup on).

“I love Weleda products in general, but this one is especially amazing for keeping my skin and my clients soft and moisturized all season long. It is also one of the most affordable options which is great for everyone’s price point .” Dawn Johnson -Celebrity MUA and founder of Umyune Co

Miso Ramen Bowl with Roasted Veggies & Grilled Tofu

Love this recipe perfect for colder weather and teen approved.

Ingredients
GF Ramen-style noodles (we used our fave rice noodles)

1 tablespoon miso paste

Tofu, sliced and seasoned with salt & pepper

Brussels sprouts

Mushrooms, sliced

Handful of broccoli florets

Spinach (for sautéing)

Avocado oil

Salt & pepper

Instructions
1. Prep & Roast the Veggies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and broccoli on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roast until tender and lightly browned (about 15 minutes).

2. Grill the Tofu
Season tofu with salt and pepper.

Grill on a pan over medium heat until golden on both sides.

3. Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Miso Broth
Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil, then let it cool slightly (miso should not be added to boiling water—it kills the probiotics).

Whisk in 1 tablespoon miso until dissolved.

5. Sauté the Spinach
In a small pan, sauté spinach until wilted.

6. Assemble
Place cooked noodles in a bowl.

Pour the warm miso broth over them.

Add roasted veggies, grilled tofu, and sautéed spinach on top.

Enjoy! Top with coconut aminos, sesame seeds and anything else you like.

Aloe for Digestion

Holidays are a time of year we tend to possibly over indulge or eat foods we are not used to. Aloe is an amazing way to help detox the body after big holiday meals (and a few days continuous consumption of heavy holiday leftovers).

Benefits:

Soothing Properties: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help calm the gut lining, alleviating symptoms related to conditions like gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Digestive Enzymes: Aloe vera contains enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates and fats, improving nutrient absorption and overall digestion.

Hydration: Aloe vera juice can help maintain hydration in the digestive tract, promoting healthy digestion and potentially alleviating constipation.

Gut Microbiome Support: Some studies suggest that aloe vera may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome balance.

Anti-acidic Benefits: Aloe vera can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux by promoting a more alkaline environment in the stomach.

How to take: It can be a little scary when you first see the gel, but stay strong!

Mix 1-2 tablespoons aloe gel with coconut water and take 20 minutes before a meal to help with digestion- in a shot glass (always makes it more fun for us).

It can also be added to smoothies, soups and salad dressings!

**Do not over consume as it can have a laxative effect if taken in high doses.

**Always read labels and make sure it’s suitable for internal consumption.

**Always talk to a dr before trying anything new if you are unsure.

Bananas = A Natural Brain + Mood Boost

If you ever needed a reason to grab a banana on the go, here it is.

Bananas are packed with potassium for healthy nerve function, vitamin B6 to support feel-good neurotransmitters, and natural sugars that offer quick, clean mental energy.

Their fiber also feeds a healthy gut (hello, gut–brain connection!), and their antioxidants help protect your brain from everyday stressors.

Bottom line: this simple snack quietly supports mood, focus, and overall nervous system health.

Smart Banana Tips:
• Pair it right: Eating a banana with protein (yogurt, nut butter) or healthy fats (nuts, seeds) helps slow sugar absorption and keeps blood sugar more stable.
• Pick your ripeness: Slightly unripe bananas with a greenish hue have a lower glycemic index—meaning they’re less likely to spike blood sugar compared to fully ripe, spotty ones.

Nutritious, easy, and delicious—bananas really are a daily brain treat.

Camomile is well-known for its beneficial effects nervous system

Calming Effects: Chamomile has natural sedative properties that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it effective for stress relief.

Sleep Aid: It is often used to improve sleep quality by enhancing relaxation and reducing insomnia, thanks to its mild sedative effects.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chamomile contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may alleviate neuroinflammation, contributing to overall brain health.

Gut-Brain Connection: It can aid digestive health, which is closely linked to mental well-being. A healthy gut can support a balanced nervous system.

Neuro-Protective Effects: Some studies suggest that chamomile may protect against neurodegenerative disorders, potentially due to its antioxidant properties.
You can take it in tincture form.

We prefer it as a tea!