Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

The Best Chinese Herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, oh my! These may sound like the symptoms of a stomach bug, but for the 45 million Americans who struggle with IBS, they are a common part of daily life. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is more than just occasional digestive discomfort. It is a chronic condition that can significantly impact your…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Bloating, Nausea, and Vomiting

Feeling “sick to your stomach” once in a while might be just a part of life – but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer through it! Nausea, or an upset stomach, is one of the most common digestive issues with a range of potential causes including motion sickness, acid reflux, pregnancy, indigestion, or as…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Juvenile Arthritis

No parent wants to see their child in pain. But what can you do when your child develops a chronic pain condition and other treatments just don’t work? If you haven’t considered using Chinese herbs for juvenile arthritis, you may have found your new solution. Childhood pain conditions have been treated successfully with Traditional Chinese…
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The Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms support health, vitality, and longevity Medicinal mushrooms have been supporting health, vitality, and longevity for thousands of years in China and Japan, but the trend is just heating up here in West. With new scientific research surfacing on the amazing benefits of mushrooms, many people are rushing to get their fungus fix –…
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Best Chinese Weight Loss Tea

Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or you’re ready for a major transformation, Chinese weight loss tea can help you drop the weight and keep it off. Asian weight loss teas, and teas inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, can help you manage cravings, boost your metabolism, and burn more fat. In this post,…
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Best Adaptogens for Weight Loss & Improved Health

Let’s face it – there’s no magic pill when it comes to weight loss. Getting in shape takes an individual approach that’s designed for your body’s weight loss challenges and advantages. That’s why adaptogens for weight loss can help! Unlike weight loss pills or special diets, adaptogens work with your body’s unique needs. With regular…
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Chinese Herbal Medicine for Menopause

Traditional Chinese Medicine Relieves Symptoms of Perimenopause Hot and bothered by unpleasant night sweats, hot flashes, irritability… Sounds annoyingly familiar? If you are one of the nearly 31 million women in US alone who experience overwhelming symptoms of perimenopause, this might be a typical day-in-the-life. Many women notice remarkable changes for months or years before they reach…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Inflammation

When pain, infections, or chronic diseases start to interfere with your daily life, it’s time to try Chinese herbs for inflammation. Inflammation is at the root of many health issues. While inflammation is meant to help the body overcome illness and fight disease, too much inflammation can harm the body and prevent healing. Here you’ll…
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Chinese Herbs for Constipation

Don’t get stuck in a rut with your digestion. Regular bowel movements are a crucial part of whole-body health, yet many of us ignore our bowel patterns or fail to recognize when things get out of whack. The truth is, our bowel movements say a lot about our internal health. The size, shape, consistency, frequency, and ease…
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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

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…
Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
February 14, 2025

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. But burnout is more than a buzzword – it’s a…