Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Yunnan Baiyao

If there’s one Chinese herbal formula that has caught attention worldwide, it’s Yunnan Baiyao. Yunnan Baiyao is a famous trauma formula that is now used for a wide range of health conditions like pain, tumors, abdominal pain, menstrual pain, muscle aches, dental issues, and more. In fact, Yunnan Baiyao is so popular that it is…
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Chinese Herbs for Erectile Dysfunction

Is your sex life feeling a little…deflated? Chinese herbs for erectile dysfunction can help. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most commonly reported sexual health problem among men, affecting as many as 30 million men in the US. Unlike Western medicine treatment for ED, Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment is based on the whole-body approach. By using…
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Best Chinese Pain Patches

When stubborn pain keeps you from doing what you love, a Chinese pain patch may be just what you need to get moving again. While herbal teas and pills are the most recognizable form of Chinese herbal medicine, there are many topical applications of herbal medicine as well. Topical herbal medicine (in the form of…
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Sore Throat in Summer? Yin Chiao (Yin Qiao) to the rescue!

We tend to think of colds as a winter woe, but can you get a cold in summer? Unfortunately, yes. “Summer colds” are similar to winter colds, but tend to have hotter, drier, and longer-lasting symptoms. Thankfully, Chinese medicine has a simple solution in time-tested Yin Qiao San. Read on to learn more about summer…
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Chinese Herbs for Atrial Fibrillation

Ever feel like your heart is dancing to its own beat? You may be experiencing Atrial Fibrillation (commonly known as AFib), which is a condition that causes irregular heartbeats. Having frequent palpitations or an irregular heartbeat can be quite unsettling, plus it may bring potential health risks along with it. While modern medicine offers various…
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Chinese Herbs for Asthma

Struggling to breathe? That’s a feeling no one wants to experience. Unfortunately, for over 262 million people across the world, conditions like asthma can quite literally “take your breath away.” But beyond inhalers and mediations, is there anything you can do to reduce asthma attacks – or even stop them from occurring altogether? Asthma is…
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Chinese Herbs for Fall Allergies

Ah, fall – the season of vibrant leaves, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything. But for many, it also brings the less-than-pleasant arrival of fall allergies. If you’re one of those people sneezing and sniffling your way through the autumn months, you’re not alone. The constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose can make it difficult…
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Best Chinese Medicines for Cough

From a nagging tickle in your throat to a painful hack, coughing can be an uncomfortable and annoying symptom. But before you reach for the drugstore cough medicine, Chinese herbs for cough may offer faster relief and longer-lasting benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), coughing is often seen as a sign of an imbalance in…
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Covid-19 and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Herbs and COVID-19: A Natural Way to Improve Symptoms and Immunity While the fearful frenzy of the pandemic may feel behind us. But, COVID and other viruses still threaten our well-being, and millions of people are struggling with the effects of long COVID. If the pandemic taught us anything, it was how important having…
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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

Unlocking the Power of Teapills: A Comprehensive Guide to TCM’s Best-Kept Secret
November 1, 2024

How to Effectively Use Teapills for Your Health Teapills, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offer a simple way to incorporate powerful herbal remedies into your wellness routine. These tiny, round, herbal capsules are pre-prepared, easy to take, and packed with centuries-old wisdom. If you’re looking to benefit from the healing power of TCM,…
Give Your Brain a Boost with Chinese Herbal Medicine
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Inspired Chinese Medicine Tips for Supporting & Healing Our Minds Has the past year left you in a brain fog? If so, you’re not alone. The stressful and rapidly changing events of 2020 have been enough to put even the most level-headed and focused person into a state of stupor. Stress is normal. But over…
Top Chinese Herbs for Boosting Immunity During Cold and Flu Season
October 18, 2024

As the temperatures drop in autumn, we enter the dreaded cold and flu season. From missing work or social events to simply feeling miserable, these illnesses can disrupt our daily lives. But what if there was a way to not only prevent these seasonal illnesses but also recover faster if you do catch something? That’s…
October is Depression Awareness Month – Best Chinese Herbs for Depression
October 11, 2024

It’s human nature to experience a spectrum of different emotions and moods, including feeling down or depressed. But if that depressed feeling occurs for no reason, is persistent, or significantly affects your daily quality of life, it’s time to seek some support. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to manage your depression or enhance…
Get Ready for Cold & Flu Season with Chinese Herbal Medicine
October 4, 2024

Cold and flu season is upon us, and as the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, our bodies are more vulnerable to illness. But don’t worry—there’s a natural way to stay ahead of the game. At Best Chinese Medicines, we believe that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers one of the most powerful, effective, and…