Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

How to Reduce Hypertension (Blood Pressure) with Chinese Medicine

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects nearly half of all Americans. Unfortunately, high blood pressure often leads to more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (also called hypertension), don’t worry. There are many ways you can reduce your blood pressure…
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4 Ways Medicinal Mushrooms Can Improve Your Productivity

Medicinal mushrooms have long been touted for their many health benefits. From boosting our energy to preventing cancer, it seems like there’s nothing that medicinal mushrooms can’t help. So, what other areas of life, like our work or hobbies? Can medicinal mushrooms improve our productivity? The simple answer is yes. The physical and mental health…
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Which Mushrooms are Adaptogens?

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to promote healing and wellness. More recently, “adaptogens” have gained popularity as powerful substances that can help us supercharge healing and kick stress to the curb. With mushroom adaptogens, you can have the best of both worlds. But, while many mushrooms are good for you, not…
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Unlock the Power of Adaptogenic Powders for Stress Relief and Wellness

In today’s wellness world, adaptogenic powders have taken center stage as a must-try supplement. Unlike fleeting trends, these stress-fighting superfoods are backed by science and trusted by ancient traditions. Let’s dive into why adaptogenic powders deserve a spot in your health routine. What Are Adaptogenic Powders? Adaptogenic powders are concentrated extracts of plants and fungi…
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Best Adaptogens for Memory

It’s normal to forget where you’ve placed your keys once in a while or struggle to remember what you had for dinner last week. But if you regularly find yourself forgetting important information or feeling foggy-headed, your brain may be calling out for help. Thankfully, adaptogens for memory offer a natural way to support your…
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Spring Weight Loss with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Swimsuit season is nearly here – are you ready? If you’ve put on a few extra pounds over winter, you’re not alone. But, spring is here, and this is the perfect time to get back on track with your weight loss or fitness goals! Chinese medicine is full of healthy weight-loss wisdom, including how to…
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Best Adaptogens for Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining good health and performance. However, many people struggle to get the quality sleep they need. While several medications and supplements are available to improve sleep, adaptogens for sleep offer a natural and effective alternative. Adaptogens are a group of herbs and plants (many of them are…
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Happy Hearts: Chinese Herbs for Cardiovascular Health

Modern life moves fast – sometimes too fast for the well-being of our ever-beating hearts. The heart is a tireless organ that works ceaselessly to pump blood, nutrients, and oxygen through our bodies so we can live. Caring for our hearts is not just a matter of ticking a box on the health checklist; it’s…
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Chinese Herbs for Dementia Diseases

Forgetfulness and memory loss can have a big impact on your quality of life. With Chinese herbs for dementia diseases, you can help the brain function better and may help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Let’s take a closer look at why dementia diseases occur from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, and…
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About the Author

Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Kate Downes is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a passion for herbal medicine. In fact, it was her love for plant and earth medicine that first drew her to study Chinese medicine.

Kate has a MSAOM (Master of Science, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) certification and practiced acupuncture in Indianapolis, IN for five years before packing her bags to roam the world. In order to stay in touch with the wellness community and continue to help others thrive with herbal medicine, she transformed her work from face-to-face patient care to spreading wellness through words. Her life as a remote herbalist and writer has allowed her to work with a variety of wellness brands, health pioneers, and her wonderful clients. She has a special interest in working with women’s health.

Kate thoroughly enjoys writing educational and useful pieces for Best Chinese Medicine. Her goal is to help the public gain a better understanding of the wonders of Chinese herbal medicine so they can be empowered in their own quest for natural, vibrant health.

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Articles Related To Author: Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

How to Stay Ahead of Summer Colds with Chinese Herbs
June 6, 2025

Colds are a cold weather problem, right? While they can be more common in the fall and winter, we are just as susceptible to getting sick in the heat of summer! And there’s nothing worse than coming down with a cold when the sun is shining and everyone else is enjoying the summer season. Summer…
Are Chinese Herbs Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
May 2, 2025

Pregnancy is a time of transformation, growth, and, perhaps most importantly, careful decision-making. Many expecting mothers look for natural ways to support their health and well-being during this important time in their lives – and Chinese herbs for pregnancy may be one of those natural solutions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wealth of herbal…
4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine
April 25, 2025

Hoping to grow your family naturally, but not sure where to start? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fertility advice, Chinese herbs for fertility may offer the support you need. Chinese medicine has been used successfully for centuries to help women enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy. Through acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork, qi gong, meditation, dietary therapy,…
Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms
April 18, 2025

Are hot flashes catching you off guard at the worst times? There’s nothing more irritating than a flush coming on during important meetings, your favorite workouts, or even while you’re trying to sleep. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Hot flashes are one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of menopause, affecting up…
Best Chinese Medicines for Dogs
April 11, 2025

As a loving pet owner, we know you would do anything in your power to keep your dog happy and healthy. Unfortunately, there comes a time in every dog’s life when they need a little extra support to stay well. That’s where Chinese medicine for dogs comes in. With Chinese medicine for dogs, you can…