How TGA Regulations Apply to Alternative Natural Therapies
If you are looking for a natural or holistic clinic, it usually means you want care that feels aligned with how you live while still being handled responsibly. That balance matters. In Australia, “natural” does not mean unregulated, and it should not mean unclear or overpromised. This situation is where the TGA plays an important role.
Horizon Health is an affordable, online medical clinic that supports patients across Australia through a fully online process. As a natural holistic clinic, we focus on alternative natural therapies and accessible care. The information in this article is general in nature. It is intended to help you understand the landscape and ask informed questions, not to replace personalised medical advice.
What the TGA Regulates and What It Doesn’t
A common question is whether the TGA regulates clinics and doctors themselves. The short answer is no. The TGA’s primary role is to regulate therapeutic goods, such as medicines and certain medical devices, as well as how those goods are supplied and advertised.
The TGA generally does not regulate health services in terms of advertising. However, this changes if a service promotes or references a specific therapeutic good. Once a product is part of the message, TGA advertising rules may apply.
In practical terms, a natural holistic clinic can describe the services it offers, but it must be careful when mentioning products, ingredients, or anything that could be interpreted as promoting a particular medicine. The TGA has made it clear that, often, it is safer for public-facing content to avoid referencing the therapeutic goods used as part of a service.
Why Alternative and Natural Therapies Still Fall Under Rules
Another common misunderstanding is that herbal or complementary products are not regulated. In Australia, many of these products are regulated by the TGA.
Some are classed as listed medicines, while others are registered complementary medicines. Depending on their risk profile, they may need to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The system is risk-based: lower-risk products follow one pathway, while higher-risk products are subject to stricter requirements.
The key point for patients is not to memorise the system but to recognise the difference between responsible, compliant language and marketing that relies on the word “natural” as a shortcut for safety or effectiveness.
Advertising Rules and Why Clinics Can Sound Careful Online
People often notice that some clinics sound cautious or restrained online. This is usually because advertising rules for therapeutic goods are strict, and deliberately so.
It’s crucial to consider how a reasonable member of the public would understand the clinic’s intended message. Claims about outcomes, dramatic promises, or “before and after” style language can quickly become non-compliant.
Advertising requirements vary depending on the type of product, its ingredients, and the claims being made. Some products cannot be advertised to the public at all. Others can, but only with very limited claims.
There is also added sensitivity around certain diseases and conditions. Public advertising restricts or prohibits references to certain illnesses. Such uncertainty is one reason responsible clinics keep their public information measured, even when people are looking for certainty or reassurance.
Social Media, Reviews, and Testimonials
Testimonials and reviews can also fall under advertising rules for therapeutic goods. Comments, images, and user reviews shared on websites or social media can still be considered part of a clinic’s advertising, even if they were written by patients.
This aspect matters because a simple “this worked for me” comment can be interpreted as a promise of results. Clinics can still be responsible for third-party content linked to their platforms, which is why many take a cautious approach to reviews and social media discussions.
If a clinic avoids dramatic testimonials or highly outcome-focused stories, it can be a sign they are prioritising responsible communication rather than attention-grabbing claims. In healthcare, especially where people may be vulnerable, that restraint is intentional.
What This Means for Your Care at Horizon Health
One way to assess whether a clinic is operating responsibly is to look at whether care is consultation-led rather than product-driven. Clinical assessment, follow-up, and professional judgement are the focal points of care at Horizon Health. Consultations are conducted entirely online, and our team includes authorised health professionals, such as GPs and nurses.
Another indicator is whether the clinic avoids pushing a single product as a universal solution. Horizon Health is product-agnostic, and doctors working with us are independent. In simple terms, decisions are based on your individual history, symptoms, and risks, not on promoting a specific item.
Privacy is also part of safe care. Horizon Health’s Privacy Policy states that we comply with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles and that personal information is treated as highly sensitive. Your privacy matters because trust extends beyond treatment itself to how your information is handled over time.
If you are considering an appointment with a natural holistic clinic, it can help to ask practical questions such as:
- “What is the goal of this plan for me?”
- “How will we know if it’s not the right fit?”
Clear, honest conversations are a sign of genuine care. When you are ready, you can book online to speak with our team, or contact us first if you would like more information.
