In this study, we tried to give a systematic and timely update about the effects and mechanisms of several Chinese herbal medicines targeting HIF-1 pathways in cancer or ischemic stroke, such as Xue-Fu-Zhu-Yu decoction, ginsenosides, Pien Tze Huang, Yi Ai Fang, baicalein, and curcumin. The gene discussed is HIF1A; the disease is cancer.