Natural and Complementary Medicines in Australia: Safety, Regulation and Talking to Your Doctor

Many Australians use natural or complementary medicines, such as vitamins, herbal products and supplements, or see practitioners like naturopaths and acupuncturists. Some of these products are useful in specific situations, but “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe or effective, and some can interact with prescription medicines.

This guide explains how complementary medicines are regulated in Australia, what the AUST L and AUST R numbers on labels mean, the main safety issues, and why it’s important to tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

What is natural or complementary medicine?

Complementary medicine is a broad term for health products and practices that sit outside conventional medicine. It includes:

• Complementary medicines: vitamins, minerals, herbal medicines, fish oils, probiotics, homeopathic products, aromatherapy oils and traditional medicines
• Practices: naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (including acupuncture), homeopathy and others

People use them for many reasons: to support general wellbeing, to manage symptoms, because they prefer a “natural” approach, or because they’re looking for something alongside their usual treatment. It’s reasonable to be curious, and it’s worth having good information to make safe choices.

How complementary medicines are regulated in Australia

In Australia, medicines, including most vitamins, herbal and other complementary medicines, are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Products supplied legally in Australia must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and show an AUST number on the label.

As the TGA explains on its page about AUST numbers on medicine labels, medicines with AUST R and AUST L(A) numbers are assessed for efficacy, while AUST L medicines are not. An AUST L number tells you a product meets requirements for ingredients, safety and manufacturing quality. It doesn’t mean the TGA has confirmed that the product works.

Products bought online or overseas

Products bought from overseas websites may not be regulated in Australia, so their contents and quality can’t be checked. The TGA has warned that some products sold online, including some sexual enhancement supplements, have been found to contain undeclared prescription medicines. If a product makes big promises and has no AUST number, be cautious.

“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe

Side effects

Herbal and other complementary medicines contain active substances, so they can cause side effects and allergic reactions. Some vitamins are harmful in high doses. For example, healthdirect notes that too much vitamin B6 can damage nerves, and high doses of vitamin A can harm an unborn baby.

Interactions with prescription medicines

Some complementary medicines can make prescription medicines stronger, weaker or less safe. A well-known example is the herbal product St John’s wort, which can interact with many medicines, including some antidepressants, the contraceptive pill, blood thinners, heart medicines and medicines for epilepsy and HIV. Other supplements may affect bleeding, blood sugar or blood pressure.

This is why your doctor and pharmacist need to know about everything you take, including products you might not think of as “medicines”.

Times to take extra care

• pregnancy, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• before surgery or a procedure
• if you take prescription medicines, especially several
• if you have liver or kidney problems
• when giving products to babies and children

What does the evidence say?

The evidence varies a lot from product to product and therapy to therapy. Some supplements have a clear role in specific situations, such as treating a confirmed vitamin or mineral deficiency, or taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy. Others have limited or no good-quality evidence. For example, a 2015 review by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) concluded there is no reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for any health condition, as summarised by the Better Health Channel.

Some useful questions to ask about any product or therapy:

• What is it supposed to do, and what’s the evidence for that?
• What are the possible side effects and interactions?
• How much does it cost, and for how long would I use it?
• How will I know whether it’s helping?

Be wary of anything that promises a cure, claims to have no side effects, or tells you to stop your conventional treatment.

Choosing a complementary practitioner

Regulation differs between practitioner types. Chinese medicine practitioners, including acupuncturists, are registered health practitioners in Australia, and you can check their registration on the Ahpra register. Naturopaths and Western herbalists aren’t nationally registered, although many belong to professional associations. Whoever you see, let them know about your medical conditions and medicines, and keep your GP in the loop.

Tell your doctor, and don’t stop prescribed treatment

• Tell your GP and pharmacist about every vitamin, supplement and herbal product you take, and bring a list to appointments.
• Don’t stop or change a prescribed medicine to try a natural alternative without talking to your doctor first. Stopping some medicines suddenly can be dangerous.
• Ask your pharmacist to check for interactions before you start something new.
• Don’t delay seeing a doctor about new or worrying symptoms while you try a natural remedy.

Good everyday habits, such as a balanced diet, regular activity, sleep and not smoking, underpin health whatever approach you take. Our article on diet and wellbeing has more.

When to see a GP

See a GP if:

• you’re thinking about starting a supplement or herbal medicine and take prescription medicines
• you develop new symptoms after starting a product
• you’ve been using a natural remedy for a health problem that isn’t improving
• you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

When to get urgent help

Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if, after taking any product, you or someone else has:

• swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
• chest pain or a racing or irregular heartbeat
• severe vomiting, confusion or a seizure

For advice on a possible poisoning or overdose, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

How Teldoc can help

Teldoc’s AHPRA-registered GPs can talk with you by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time). Most patients are seen within 15 minutes. A GP can review the medicines and supplements you take, discuss possible interactions, arrange blood tests if they’re needed, and refer you to a specialist where appropriate. General consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. See our fees page or learn about our general health consultations. Our guide to preparing for a telehealth consultation explains how to put together your medicines list.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between AUST L and AUST R?

AUST R medicines are registered and have been assessed by the TGA for safety, quality and effectiveness. AUST L medicines are listed, lower-risk products that meet safety and quality requirements but haven’t been assessed by the TGA for effectiveness.

Are natural medicines safe to take with prescription medicines?

Not always. Some herbal medicines and supplements can interact with prescription medicines and change how they work. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.

Should I tell my doctor about vitamins and supplements?

Yes. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including vitamins, herbal products and supplements, so they can check for interactions and side effects.

Can I stop my prescribed medicine and use a natural remedy instead?

Don’t stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor first. Stopping some medicines suddenly can be harmful, and many natural products haven’t been shown to work for the same conditions.

Does homeopathy work?

A 2015 NHMRC review concluded there is no reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for any health condition. Speak to a GP about evidence-based options for your health concern.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026