Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

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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Mellow Mushroom: Can Reishi Calm Your Anxiety?

Anxiety is becoming a common mental health hurdle that many of us face daily. The effects of anxiety can range from mild to completely debilitating and can interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Some claim that the modest reishi mushroom could help us fight anxiety. Let’s explore why reishi can reduce stress…
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Chinese Herbal Formulas for Hot Flashes

Do you feel trapped under the heat of ongoing hot flashes? If so, know that you’re not alone! Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause and other hormonal changes. They negatively impact the lives of women so much so that the Global Menopausal Hot Flashes industry is worth over $10 billion.…
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The History of Tea in China

When you think of China, do images of buzzing cities, the Great Wall, vast rice fields, silk shops, and dumplings fill your mind? These are some of the most common things we associate with China. But what about tea? Tea is one of the most important aspects of Chinese culture, trade, and of course –…
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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? Chinese medicine can help. 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, and other aspects of this ancient healing system, you can restore your health…
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5 Must-Have Chinese Herbal Products for Athletes

If you’re an athlete, you know that when your body is running like a well-oiled machine, you can take on the world. But, what do you do when pain, fatigue, or injuries get in the way of reaching your goals? Most people opt for over-the-counter pain relievers or band-aid treatments that only work temporarily. Thankfully,…
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Natural Solutions for Endometriosis with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Finding relief from endometriosis with conventional medicine can feel like a game of Russian roulette. Some therapies work for some women some of the time, but it tends to be hit or miss. Chinese medicine treats endometriosis differently. In fact, Chinese medicine has an excellent track record with managing a wide range of women’s health…
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Chinese Medicines for Eczema

If you or your child suffers from eczema, you’d try anything to stop the itch. From herbal creams to medication to special diets, there are many ways to reduce eczema symptoms. But no remedy has quite the effective and holistic approach of Chinese medicine for eczema. Chinese Herbs for Eczema In Chinese medicine, all conditions…
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All About Adaptogens and Chinese Medicine

Adaptogens are one of the latest health crazes, promising less stress and improved well being. But are adaptogens all they’re made up to be? Ongoing research is shedding light on how these power plants could help us become healthier and more resilient – despite the stressors of modern life. Let’s learn more about these adaptogens…
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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…