Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

Which Mushrooms are Adaptogens?

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…
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What are Adaptogenic Powders?

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…
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Best Adaptogens for Memory

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…
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Spring Weight Loss with Chinese Herbal Medicine

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…
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Best Adaptogens for Sleep

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…
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Happy Hearts: Chinese Herbs for Cardiovascular Health

Modern life moves fast – sometimes too fast for the well-being of our ever-beating hearts. The heart is a tireless organ that works ceaselessly to pump blood, nutrients, and oxygen through our bodies so we can live. Caring for our hearts is not just a matter of ticking a box on the health checklist; it’s…
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Chinese Herbs for Dementia Diseases

Forgetfulness and memory loss can have a big impact on your quality of life. With Chinese herbs for dementia diseases, you can help the brain function better and may help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Let’s take a closer look at why dementia diseases occur from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, and…
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A Very Herbal Valentines Day – Medicinal Flowers in Chinese Herbal Medicine

It’s February and that means Valentine’s Day is on its way! Valentine’s Day is all about love, treats, pampering, chocolates, and flowers of course! Flowers can brighten up any room, but did you know they can work wonders on our health as well? Flowers have long been a part of the Chinese healing tradition and…
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The Best Chinese Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, fatigue, weakness…we’re not just describing arthritis, but a unique type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you’re among the 18 million people worldwide who have struggled with RA and want to find effective relief for your RA symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine could be the natural and holistic solution you’ve been…
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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

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How to Effectively Use Teapills for Your Health Teapills, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offer a simple way to incorporate powerful herbal remedies into your wellness routine. These tiny, round, herbal capsules are pre-prepared, easy to take, and packed with centuries-old wisdom. If you’re looking to benefit from the healing power of TCM,…
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As the temperatures drop in autumn, we enter the dreaded cold and flu season. From missing work or social events to simply feeling miserable, these illnesses can disrupt our daily lives. But what if there was a way to not only prevent these seasonal illnesses but also recover faster if you do catch something? That’s…
October is Depression Awareness Month
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It’s human nature to experience a spectrum of different emotions and moods, including feeling down or depressed. But if that depressed feeling occurs for no reason, is persistent, or significantly affects your daily quality of life, it’s time to seek some support. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to manage your depression or enhance…
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Cold and flu season is upon us, and as the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, our bodies are more vulnerable to illness. But don’t worry—there’s a natural way to stay ahead of the game. At Best Chinese Medicines, we believe that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers one of the most powerful, effective, and…