Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Lung & Chest Support: Which Chinese Herbal Formula is Right for You?

Are you someone who always has a pack of tissues handy? Do you struggle with constant allergies, lingering coughs, or catch colds easily? Maybe your skin is dry and irritated, or you’ve been feeling more sad or disconnected than usual? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these symptoms could all point back to an imbalance…
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Chinese Herbal Formulas by Organ System

Chinese herbal medicine can be powerful. But if you’ve ever wanted to try a TCM formula, but gotten stuck wondering “which formula is right for me?,” you’re not alone. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers hundreds of time-tested herbal formulas, each designed to bring the body back into balance in its own unique way. But with…
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Heart Health & Calm: Which Chinese Herbal Formula is Right for You?

You may think of your heart as simply the vital organ that pumps blood, but Traditional Chinese Medicine sees the Heart as much more. In TCM, the Heart is the “emperor” or ruler of the entire body. It’s not only in charge of blood circulation but also housing the Shen (spirit/mind). For instance, do you…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Brain Function

Finding your focus can be a challenge in our modern lifestyles. From distractions to high stress to environmental toxins, we are constantly bombarded with issues that prevent our brains from working optimally. Thankfully, Chinese herbs for brain function help you regain your concentration, restore your memory, and keep your brain sharp for years to come.…
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What is a Healthy Gut? Natural Solutions to Heal our Most Stressed System

What’s with the gut? These days, it seems like everyone is talking about gut health and how important it is for total wellbeing. Ongoing research has shown that the gut is not just about digestion – it’s the essential factor to create overall health and wellness for the whole body. Without a healthy gut system,…
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The Power of Chinese Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular superfoods in the world – and for good reason! From boosting your energy to fighting chronic disease, the benefits of Chinese green tea are endless. Read on to learn more about how the power of Chinese green tea can help you live your healthiest life. All About…
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Eating With the Seasons: TCM Tips for Fall

Ever notice how your body seems to crave heartier meals, warm drinks, and a slower pace when autumn rolls around? That’s not just the weather talking — it’s your body’s way of syncing up with the season and bolstering itself for the cooler months ahead. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall marks an important shift.…
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Spleen Strength & Stability: Which Chinese Herbal Formula is Right for You?

Do you feel tired after meals? Bloated no matter what you eat? Struggle with brain fog, loose stools, or stubborn weight gain? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these symptoms aren’t just random – they often point to an imbalance in one of the body’s most essential (yet often overlooked) organs: the Spleen. The TCM…
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Chinese Herbal Liquid Extracts (Tinctures) – A Complete Guide

Pills, powders, and poultices, oh my! Chinese medicinal formulas come in many shapes and sizes – and even varied administration methods. Let’s learn a little more about one of our favorite ways to take our Chinese herbs: liquid extracts. Liquid extracts are a unique way to take herbal medicine. Tinctures are commonly used in Western…
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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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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
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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…
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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
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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
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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…