Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

How to Stay Ahead of Summer Colds with Chinese Herbs

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…
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Knock Out Knee Pain with Chinese Herbal Medicine

25% of Americans Have “Bad Knees” and Struggle with Knee Pain. Got a “bad knee?” If so, you’re like over 25% of Americans who curse their knees, struggling daily with arthritis and other painful joint conditions. While some people turn to surgeries or medications to manage their knee pain, these are invasive, costly, and come…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Improved Sleep

Whether you are struggling with a sleep disorder or you simply don’t get enough sleep, you’re not alone. In fact, researchers estimate that at least 100 million Americans are sleep deprived, with 70 million of us suffering from a diagnosed sleep condition. With the help of Chinese herbs for sleep, you can break the cycle…
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Chinese Herbal Soups – Eat Your Medicine

Although it was Hippocrates who was quoted for the famous line, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” this concept has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for millennia. Food therapy is often the first line of defense in Chinese medicine for conditions that are mild in nature or based in…
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Care for Your Skin with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Beauty is More than Skin Deep: Enhance Your Skincare Routine with Chinese Herbs They say that beauty is more than what meets the eye. While this is true, many of us are unhappy with our outward appearance. We worry about wrinkles, shudder at our growing frown lines, or shriek at the sight of yet another…
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Are Chinese Herbs Safe to Take During Pregnancy?

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…
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4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine

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,…
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Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms

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…
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Best Chinese Medicines for Dogs

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…
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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…
Live the Zen Lifestyle with Chinese Herbal Medicine
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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
June 19, 2026

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
June 12, 2026

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…