Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

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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Chinese Herbs that Boost Your Immunity

What’s the secret to a long and healthy life? Giving your immune system the care it needs to keep you protected. Your immune system works for you day and night. Immune cells are constantly scouring tissue and blood to find and eliminate potential threats. Like silent warriors, these cells and organ systems work to defend…
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How TCM Can Help You Avoid “Fifty-Year-Old-Shoulder”

Joint pain can be a huge burden, especially as we age. One of the most common issues people face as they approach their 50s is what some TCM practitioners call “fifty-year-old-shoulder.” Also known as frozen shoulder or impingement syndrome, this shoulder pain can be extremely aggravating and keep you from doing the tasks and activities…
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Chinese Herbs for Acid Reflux

There’s nothing worse than enjoying a delicious meal only to be interrupted by the uncomfortable burn of acid reflux. But don’t give up all your favorite foods just yet – Chinese herbs for acid reflux can help! It’s true, this common condition can turn any meal into an uncomfortable ordeal. But the key to enjoying…
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TCM and Nutrition: Eating for the Seasons

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is more than just a change in weather; it’s an opportunity to align our bodies and live in tune with nature. With late summer – the “fifth season” of TCM – upon us, now is the perfect time to rethink what we put on our plates and eat in…
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Chinese Herbal Cures for Summer Sport Injuries

Summertime is here – and it’s the prime season for outdoor activities. Whether you’re exercising outside, playing sports, or just enjoying some time in the sun with friends and family, enjoying the summer and staying active also helps you maintain your best health. But, all that extra exercise can come at a cost. Increased activity…
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Chinese Herbs for a Restorative Postpartum

For expecting moms, pregnancy and preparing for your baby is just the beginning of your new life as a mother – and your new body. In the weeks that follow the birth of your baby, you are also reborn as a new version of yourself. While this is an incredible transition, it can come with…
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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

Managing Holiday Stress Naturally
December 6, 2024

Is the holiday season leaving you feeling carefree and festive…or frazzled and frosty? For many of us, the holidays marks a time to celebrate, reconnect, and soak in the warmth of loved ones. But let’s be real – behind the sparkle and cheer, there’s often a hefty dose of stress tagging along. Between gift shopping,…
Healthy Holiday Gift Guide – from Best Chinese Medicines
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December is here, and if you’re like most people, you probably have one thing on your mind: holiday shopping. We’re here to make your holiday shopping stress-free and more meaningful this year with our Healthy Holiday Gift Guide! In a world filled with material possessions, why not give something more profound, more memorable, and more…
Tablets, Teapills, Tinctures, Oh My! Decoding the Types of Chinese Herbal Medicine
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Are you wondering which form of a Chinese herbal formula is right for you? Let’s explore the various types of Chinese herbal medicine to help you decide. Those new to Chinese herbal medicine often ask why there are so many different types of preparations, like pills, tablets, tinctures, and decoctions. What’s the difference? And which…
Unlocking the Power of Teapills: A Comprehensive Guide to TCM’s Best-Kept Secret
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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…