Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
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…
Read More »
From a nagging tickle in your throat to a painful hack, coughing can be an uncomfortable and disruptive 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…
Read More »
What’s the secret to a long and healthy life? Giving your immune system the TLC it deserves. Your immune system works for you day and night. Immune cells are constantly scouring tissue and blood to find and eliminate potential threats. Like silent warriors, these cells and organ systems work to defend your health – often…
Read More »
Swimsuit season is nearly here – are you ready? If you’ve put on a few extra pounds over winter, you’re not alone. But, spring is here, and this is the perfect time to get back on track with your weight loss or fitness goals! Chinese medicine is full of healthy weight-loss wisdom, including how to…
Read More »
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining good health and performance. However, many people struggle to get the quality sleep they need. While several medications and supplements are available to improve sleep, adaptogens for sleep offer a natural and effective alternative. Adaptogens are a group of herbs and plants (many of them are…
Read More »

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.

Blog Categories

Articles Related To Author: Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Chinese Herbs for Stroke Recovery and Prevention
April 26, 2024

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…
Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
April 19, 2024

These days, trying to stay on top of a successful career, a clean home, a vibrant social life, and healthy habits can feel impossible. We burn the candle at both ends to try to have it all, which leaves many of us feeling burned out. As a result, conditions like adrenal fatigue are skyrocketing. Feeling…
The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout
April 12, 2024

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…
Dampness in Chinese Medicine – What is it & How To Fix It
April 5, 2024

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…
Best Chinese Herbs for Prostate Health
March 29, 2024

The prostate is a small gland with a big impact on men’s health. If you’re over the age of 40, now is the time to start doing something about your prostate health. Find out why prostate health is so important for all men and how you can use Chinese herbs for prostate health to manage…