Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

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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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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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

How to Stay Ahead of Summer Colds with Chinese Herbs
June 6, 2025

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…
Are Chinese Herbs Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
May 2, 2025

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…
4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine
April 25, 2025

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,…
Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms
April 18, 2025

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…
Best Chinese Medicines for Dogs
April 11, 2025

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…