Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

A Very Herbal Valentines Day – Medicinal Flowers in Chinese Herbal Medicine

It’s February and that means Valentine’s Day is on its way! Valentine’s Day is all about love, treats, pampering, chocolates, and flowers of course! Flowers can brighten up any room, but did you know they can work wonders on our health as well? Flowers have long been a part of the Chinese healing tradition and…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, fatigue, weakness…we’re not just describing arthritis, but a unique type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you’re among the 18 million people worldwide who have struggled with RA and want to find effective relief for your RA symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine could be the natural and holistic solution you’ve been…
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Best Adaptogens for Energy

Do you struggle with fatigue? Or want to wake up each day with more “pep in your step?” If so, adaptogens for energy could help you gain the energy you crave. Adaptogen herbs are a natural way to relieve stress, boost your energy, and live with more vitality. They can help nearly anyone have a…
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Back Pain Solutions – Chinese Herbal Medicine

With over $50 Billion spent on back pain relief, surgeries, medications, and other “cures,” it’s no surprise that we are still in search of a way to heal our backs, for good. Frustratingly, many who take the leap and undergo costly and traumatic surgeries still report back pain – even a worsening of their symptoms – after the procedure. Medications like…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Alopecia Areata

Hair loss is frustrating, no matter the cause. But when you’ve been diagnosed with alopecia areata, you may feel like there’s nothing that can help. But with Chinese herbs for alopecia areata, you may be able to slow the rate of hair loss, all while boosting your overall health. Read on to find out how…
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Prevention is the Best Medicine

You’ve likely heard that prevention is the best medicine – and it’s true! Staying healthy is a lot easier than healing from illness, but we must put the time and energy into maintaining our good health. Sometimes it helps to think about your body as you would your car. A car needs check-ups, diagnostics, refueling,…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Arthritis

You probably know that arthritis is extremely common (especially if you’re struggling with joint pain yourself). But did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States? With so many people struggling with pain and immobility, there’s a significant need for natural ways to heal this condition. Thankfully, Chinese herbs…
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Pet Care & Chinese Herbal Medicine

If you love your furry friends as much as we do, you want them to live a happy, healthy, pain-free life. Our pets are more than just family members – they also play a huge part in helping us find joy, practice unconditional love, and even improve our own physical and mental wellbeing. One of…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Yeast Infections

Are you one of the 9 million people who struggle with irritating yeast infections? Thankfully, there are more options for treating yeast infections than waiting it out or using messy antifungal creams. With Chinese herbs for yeast infections, you can clear the overgrowth, stop your symptoms, and boost your immune system to prevent another yeast…
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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
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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
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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…