IntroductionHigh-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is an exacerbation of acute mountain sickness, but also a distinct disease characterized by vasogenic and cytotoxic brain edema. Exploring alternative therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Tibetan medicine (TM), is important. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research on the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of TCM and TM, encompassing herbal formulations, single botanical drugs,