Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

Best Chinese Herbs for Sciatica

Few of us will get through life without a backache now and then. But what can you do when back pain takes over your hip, buttocks, and leg? You’ve got sciatica – and Chinese herbs can help. Sciatica is a specific type of back and leg pain often caused by arthritis in the spine or…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Osteoarthritis

Think of your body like a machine. When it is nourished and healthy, it moves with ease. But over time, the body’s oil (blood and Qi) and shock absorbers (your cartilage) begin to wear down. This causes friction between the hinges, gears, and other moving parts (your bones and joints) that allow your body to…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Diabetes and Blood Sugar Management

Today, nearly 40 million Americans struggle with diabetes – a number that grows each year. With diabetes on the rise, many people are looking for safe and natural ways to complement their diabetes treatment and keep blood sugar balanced. If that’s you (or you want to prevent diabetes), Chinese herbs for blood sugar control might…
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Trouble Below – Healing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Burning, irritating, painful urination is one thing we could all live without. Unfortunately, these symptoms and their main cause – Urinary Tract Infections – are extremely common. It is estimated that 50-60% of women will experience at least one UTI in her life. Men experience UTIs as well, especially after age 50. Western medicine offers some help in the form of antibiotics. Home remedies…
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Best Chinese Herbs to Live a Long Healthy Life

The Fountain of Youth is a myth. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t tap into our bodies’ own healing resources to live a longer and healthier life. How? With long life Chinese herbs. Chinese medicine has a rich history of using diet and herbs for prevention and longevity. Read on to find out how you,…
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Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a complex skin condition that affects over 125 million people worldwide. Along with characteristic itching and lesions, this condition can also cause long-term scarring, stress, anxiety, and joint pain. To help manage symptoms and improve skin health, many of those people look to Chinese medicine for psoriasis treatment. Chinese medicine offers a more…
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Best Chinese Herbs for Fibromyalgia

Does waking up each day feeling energized, free from pain, and ready to embrace life to the fullest feel like an impossible dream? Unfortunately, for millions of people living with fibromyalgia, even simple daily tasks like walking, cooking, or commuting can be overwhelming exhausting, and even painful. Chinese herbs for fibromyalgia offer a glimmer of…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for PMS Relief

Women’s bodies are beautifully complex. But, they can pose some tricky health challenges. PMS, for instance, is a far too common source of pain, discomfort, irritability, infertility, and other symptoms that affects up to 75% of American women each month. But there is hope! Chinese herbs for PMS are natural supplements that offer a simple…
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Mushroom Powder Recipes: Boost Your Health with Medicinal Mushrooms

What was once considered a food only for vegetarians is now being used in many dishes to help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and even help with weight loss. Mushrooms – especially medicinal mushrooms – are becoming a popular addition to many health-focused food and drink recipes. Why? Because these mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, vitamins,…
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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…