Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

Having abundant, healthy hair naturally is one of our biggest beauty obsessions. From serums to hair treatments and even medical procedures, there is no shortage of ways to improve the look and feel of your hair. But you don’t have to have a celebrity hair care routine to get the luscious locks you dream of.…
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Spring is in the air! If you suffer from respiratory or skin conditions, you may already feel it. Spring tends to stir up pesky issues like allergies, sore throats, or eczema. Aside from the typical warmer weather and higher pollen counts, other factors may be at play. Here’s the good news: spring symptoms like these…
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Are you wondering which form of a Chinese herbal formula you should choose? Let’s walk through the options. Those who are new to Chinese herbal medicine are often curious about why there are so many different types of herbal preparations. Pills, tablets, tinctures – what’s the difference?! And which one is for me? The short…
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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…
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High blood pressure is a common condition that affects nearly half of all Americans. 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 blood pressure…
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Medicinal mushrooms have long been touted for their many health benefits. From boosting our energy to preventing cancer, it seems like there’s nothing that medicinal mushrooms can’t help. So, what other areas of life, like our work or hobbies? Can medicinal mushrooms improve our productivity? The simple answer is yes. The physical and mental health…
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Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to promote healing and wellness. More recently, “adaptogens” have gained popularity as powerful substances that can help us supercharge healing and kick stress to the curb. With mushroom adaptogens, you can have the best of both worlds. But, while many mushrooms are good for you, not…
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In the world of wellness, there is always a new “must-try” supplement or superfood. While some of these items are more hype than they’re worth, there’s one trend that’s not going away: adaptogenic powders. Adaptogens are scientifically proven herbs and supplements that help us manage stress and live in better balance. With the help of…
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It’s normal to forget where you’ve placed your keys once in a while or struggle to remember what you had for dinner last week. But if you regularly find yourself forgetting important information or feeling foggy-headed, your brain may be calling out for help. Thankfully, adaptogens for memory offer a natural way to support your…
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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…