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? You’re not alone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects as many as 30 million men in the U.S. and can impact your confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life. While Western medicine often turns to quick fixes like pills, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different approach—one that goes beyond…
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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

How to Stay Ahead of Summer Colds with Chinese Herbs
June 6, 2025

Colds are a cold weather problem, right? While they can be more common in the fall and winter, we are just as susceptible to getting sick in the heat of summer! And there’s nothing worse than coming down with a cold when the sun is shining and everyone else is enjoying the summer season. Summer…
Are Chinese Herbs Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
May 2, 2025

Pregnancy is a time of transformation, growth, and, perhaps most importantly, careful decision-making. Many expecting mothers look for natural ways to support their health and well-being during this important time in their lives – and Chinese herbs for pregnancy may be one of those natural solutions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wealth of herbal…
4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine
April 25, 2025

Hoping to grow your family naturally, but not sure where to start? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fertility advice, Chinese herbs for fertility may offer the support you need. Chinese medicine has been used successfully for centuries to help women enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy. Through acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork, qi gong, meditation, dietary therapy,…
Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms
April 18, 2025

Are hot flashes catching you off guard at the worst times? There’s nothing more irritating than a flush coming on during important meetings, your favorite workouts, or even while you’re trying to sleep. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Hot flashes are one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of menopause, affecting up…
Best Chinese Medicines for Dogs
April 11, 2025

As a loving pet owner, we know you would do anything in your power to keep your dog happy and healthy. Unfortunately, there comes a time in every dog’s life when they need a little extra support to stay well. That’s where Chinese medicine for dogs comes in. With Chinese medicine for dogs, you can…