Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

Today, nearly 40 million Americans struggle with diabetes – a number that grows each year. With diabetes on the rise, many people are looking for safe and natural ways to complement their diabetes treatment and keep blood sugar balanced. If that’s you (or you want to prevent diabetes), Chinese herbs for blood sugar control might…
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Burning, irritating, painful urination is one thing we could all live without. Unfortunately, these symptoms and their main cause – Urinary Tract Infections – are extremely common. It is estimated that 50-60% of women will experience at least one UTI in her life. Men experience UTIs as well, especially after age 50. Western medicine offers some help in the form of antibiotics. Home remedies…
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The Fountain of Youth is a myth. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t tap into our bodies’ own healing resources to live a longer and healthier life. How? With long life Chinese herbs. Chinese medicine has a rich history of using diet and herbs for prevention and longevity. Read on to find out how you,…
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Psoriasis is a complex skin condition that affects over 125 million people worldwide. Along with characteristic itching and lesions, this condition can also cause long-term scarring, stress, anxiety, and joint pain. To help manage symptoms and improve skin health, many of those people look to Chinese medicine for psoriasis treatment. Chinese medicine offers a more…
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Does waking up each day feeling energized, free from pain, and ready to embrace life to the fullest feel like an impossible dream? Unfortunately, for millions of people living with fibromyalgia, even simple daily tasks like walking, cooking, or commuting can be overwhelming exhausting, and even painful. Chinese herbs for fibromyalgia offer a glimmer of…
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Women’s bodies are beautifully complex. But, they can pose some tricky health challenges. PMS, for instance, is a far too common source of pain, discomfort, irritability, infertility, and other symptoms that affects up to 75% of American women each month. But there is hope! Chinese herbs for PMS are natural supplements that offer a simple…
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What was once considered a food only for vegetarians is now being used in many dishes to help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and even help with weight loss. Mushrooms – especially medicinal mushrooms – are becoming a popular addition to many health-focused food and drink recipes. Why? Because these mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, vitamins,…
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It’s summertime and the weather is heating up. That means you are probably spending more time in the sun, exercising outside, or playing sports with your friends and family. While staying active is essential to your health, all this extra activity could put you at risk for aches, pains, and even injuries. Not to worry,…
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Anxiety is becoming a common mental health hurdle that many of us face daily. The effects of anxiety can range from mild to completely debilitating and can interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Some claim that the modest reishi mushroom could help us fight anxiety. Let’s explore why reishi can reduce stress…
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About the Author

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

Chinese Herbs for a Healthy Period
March 15, 2024

Can Chinese herbs help you have a more comfortable, regular period? Thousands of years of holistic gynecology practice and modern research says “yes”! Whether you’re riding waves of discomfort each month, looking to enhance your fertility, or simply aiming to boost your overall well-being, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a natural approach to improving your…
The Best Chinese Herbs for Stress Relief
March 8, 2024

According to the American Institute of Stress, 94% of Americans claim to experience chronic stress. Can Chinese herbs for stress help with this overwhelming epidemic? From work deadlines to family commitments to financial challenges, stress seeps into our daily lives from all angles. While triggers can span from mild issues like your traffic-heavy commute to…
The Best Chinese Herbs for Dental and Oral Health
March 1, 2024

Oral health is not just about keeping your pearly whites sparkling; your mouth is a gateway to the health of your whole body! But when was the last time you focused on improving your oral health? Beyond daily brushing and flossing, there are many ways to heal your mouth – including Chinese herbs for oral…
15 Herbal Formulas to Conquer Spring Allergy Symptoms
February 23, 2024

Winter’s chill is fading, allowing Spring to burst through with new life. Unfortunately for many people, this change in seasons also signals the start of sniffling noses, congested chests, itching eyes, and relentless coughs. It’s allergy season. As we embrace the beauty of the spring season (with tissues in hand), it’s also time to explore…
The Best Chinese Herbs for Hay Fever
February 16, 2024

Have you ever found yourself sniffling and sneezing with watery eyes as the flowers begin to bloom and the trees regain their leaves? If so, you’re likely one of the many experiencing the seasonal affliction known as hay fever. Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis) affects over a quarter of all…