Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

Chinese Herbs for Stroke Recovery and Prevention

A stroke is a serious medical event with some potentially serious consequences. But did you know that taking quick, restorative action after a stroke can help reduce the lingering effects of stroke? Or that there are ways you can reduce your risk of stroke – including taking Chinese herbal medicine? While modern medicine has made…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout

Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. In fact, over 8.3 million Americans suffer from this burning toe pain every year. Thankfully, Chinese herbs for gout offer a safe and natural way to ease the pain. The usual treatments for gout often involve medications, which can have side effects and don’t…
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Dampness in Chinese Medicine – What is it & How To Fix It

If you have read our blogs or visited an acupuncturist, you may have heard the term “dampness.” But what is dampness in Chinese Medicine, and what does it mean for your health? Dampness may sound like a strange concept, but it’s pretty simple. Read on to learn what dampness really is and how you can…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Prostate Health

The prostate may be small, but its impact on men’s health is anything but. This vital gland plays a crucial role in urinary and reproductive health, and as men age, it becomes especially important to maintain its health. Prostate issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer are common, but they don’t have…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss

Struggling to slim down? You’re not alone. Losing weight often feels like an uphill battle, especially when you’ve tried it all but nothing seems to work. What if you had a secret weapon that made dropping extra pounds easier – and improved your overall health at the same time? You do! The secret is Chinese…
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Chinese Herbs for a Healthy Period

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…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Stress Relief

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…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Dental and Oral Health

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…
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15 Herbal Formulas to Conquer Spring Allergy Symptoms

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…
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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

Liver Support & Flow: Which Chinese Herbal Formula is Right for You?
April 4, 2025

Have you ever felt like stress is getting the best of you? Or maybe your digestion seems off, your sleep is disrupted, or you’re experiencing headaches that won’t go away? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these symptoms often point to an imbalance in one of the body’s most crucial organ systems: the Liver. Blaming your…
Chinese Herbs for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
March 14, 2025

Sometimes fatigue goes beyond just feeling tired. If you are living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), the persistent exhaustion, brain fog, and inability to feel truly rested make even simple tasks seem monumental. While Western medicine offers limited solutions to those with CFS, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can step in to offer some much-needed support.…
Chinese Herbs for Andropause (Male Menopause)
March 7, 2025

When we think about midlife changes, menopause often takes center stage. But women aren’t the only ones who experience significant shifts during this stage of life. Andropause, often referred to as “male menopause,” is the male counterpart—a gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones that can bring noticeable changes to energy, mood, libido, and overall…
Herbal Hacks for Headaches & Migraines
February 28, 2025

We’ve all had a headache before. While some are mercifully mild and short-lived, others can completely debilitate you for hours or even days. For most of us, headaches are just an occasional inconvenience. But for the over 39 million Americans who suffer from more severe migraines, they can be a major struggle that interferes with…
9 Chinese Herbs to Enhance Sexual Wellness and Pleasure
February 21, 2025

Let’s face it—when your sex life is out of sync, it can throw everything else off, too. Sexual wellness is about more than just reproductive health or physical intimacy. It can act as a foundational part of your overall health, emotional balance, and energy. Yet, issues like low libido, hormonal imbalances, and emotional stress can…