Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
Where to Buy Yunnan Baiyao

Learn where to buy Yunnan Baiyao online, in pet stores, and from trusted suppliers. Compare prices, costs, and retailer options for safe purchasing.
Read More »
Eating with the Seasons: TCM Tips for Spring

Each season brings its own energy, rhythms, and needs. Living in tune with these needs by adjusting your diet is one of the best ways to help our bodies stay balanced and resilient. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring marks the shift from winter’s deep rest to new growth and movement. Just as sprouts push…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »

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.

Blog Categories

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

Wood Lock Oil vs Tiger Balm: Which Pain Relief Works Best?
July 14, 2026

Compare Wood Lock Oil vs Tiger Balm for pain relief. Learn key differences, ingredients, benefits, and which option may suit your needs best.
Yunnan Baiyao for Dogs
July 3, 2026

Yunnan Baiyao is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula that humans have used for hundreds of years. Recently, veterinarians and owners have begun seeing the many health benefits of Yunnan Baiyao in treating dogs. This herb can be given orally or applied topically and is safe for dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. What Does Yunnan Baiyao…
Live the Zen Lifestyle with Chinese Herbal Medicine
June 26, 2026

Does overwhelming stress have you craving more peace and serenity in your life? Chronic stress is one of the most significant issues facing us today. Aside from impacting our mental and emotional health, stress causes severe health issues. In fact, it is estimated that 77% of our physical health issues are caused, worsened, or somehow…
Chinese Medicine Secrets for Clear Skin
June 19, 2026

Thought your acne days were behind you? Think again. The truth is, acne can rear its ugly head at any age. Adult acne occurs in up to 85% of women and 15% of men, meaning you could be facing worse skin in your twenties, thirties, forties, or even your perimenopausal years. But don’t worry, you…
How to Reduce Hypertension (Blood Pressure) with Chinese Medicine
June 12, 2026

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects nearly half of all Americans (CDC, 2024). 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…