DGL Licorice

What is DGL Licorice?

DGL Licorice is licorice root that has had glycyrrhizin — the compound responsible for licorice's blood-pressure-raising effects — removed through a careful processing method. What remains is a rich blend of flavonoids and protective plant compounds that work directly on the digestive lining. This processing makes DGL a practical, long-term-safe option for gut healing that standard licorice root cannot offer.

How does DGL Licorice work?

DGL works by stimulating the stomach and intestinal lining to produce more of its own protective mucus, which helps shield the tissue from stomach acid and irritants. It also supports the growth of cells that repair and maintain the gut lining, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the digestive tract. Rather than blocking acid production the way antacids do, DGL helps the gut defend and heal itself from the inside.

What forms does DGL Licorice come in?

Chewable tablets are the most studied and widely recommended form — chewing mixes DGL with saliva, which activates its protective compounds before they reach the stomach. Capsules and powder are convenient but may be slightly less effective for esophageal and upper stomach issues. Lozenges are useful for throat and esophageal discomfort.

Where it comes from:

Licorice root has been used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, Egyptian, and Greek medicine for over 3,000 years, valued for its soothing effect on the respiratory and digestive systems. The deglycyrrhizinated form was developed in the 1960s by European researchers who wanted to preserve the gut-healing benefits while eliminating the cardiovascular risks, and it quickly became a go-to in integrative gastroenterology.

What does DGL Licorice help with?

• Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers): DGL helps heal stomach and duodenal ulcers by encouraging the gut lining to produce more protective mucus and speeding up the repair of damaged tissue. Several clinical trials have shown it can match or come close to the effectiveness of older ulcer medications, with a much safer side effect profile. It works best when chewed before meals so it has direct contact with the stomach lining.
• Acid reflux and heartburn (GERD): Rather than neutralizing or blocking acid, DGL soothes and reinforces the lining of the esophagus and stomach so they are less bothered by acid contact. Many people find it helps reduce the burning sensation and frequency of reflux when taken consistently before meals. It is a popular natural option for those who want to reduce reliance on antacids or PPIs.
• Gastritis and stomach inflammation: DGL's anti-inflammatory plant compounds help calm an irritated stomach lining, whether the inflammation is from NSAIDs, alcohol, stress, or infection. It supports the stomach's ability to heal itself rather than just suppressing symptoms.
• H. pylori infection support: Lab and early clinical work suggests DGL's flavonoids — especially glabridin and liquiritin — can inhibit the growth of H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for most stomach ulcers. It is typically used alongside standard antibiotic treatment to support the stomach lining during and after eradication therapy, not as a standalone treatment.
• Leaky gut and intestinal permeability: DGL supports the integrity of the gut lining by promoting mucus production and encouraging mucosal cell repair. Practitioners commonly use it as part of gut-healing protocols, though direct human clinical trials specifically on intestinal permeability are still limited.
• Mouth ulcers (canker sores): DGL has been tested as a mouth rinse and lozenge for canker sores, with some early evidence showing faster pain relief and healing compared to placebo. The anti-inflammatory and tissue-soothing properties appear to work locally on oral mucosa as well as in the gut.
• Functional dyspepsia (indigestion): For people with chronic indigestion, bloating, and stomach discomfort that isn't explained by an ulcer or structural problem, DGL can help by calming inflammation and improving the protective layer of the stomach. It is often included in multi-ingredient digestive formulas studied for this condition.
• Esophageal irritation: DGL lozenges and chewable tablets coat and soothe the esophageal lining, making them useful for people with persistent throat burning or irritation from reflux. The direct contact effect is part of why chewable forms are preferred over swallowed capsules for upper digestive complaints.
• IBS-related gut discomfort: While DGL is not an IBS-specific treatment, its gut-lining support and anti-inflammatory effects can ease the stomach cramping and sensitivity that many IBS sufferers experience. It is often used as a supportive component in broader gut protocols.

What can DGL Licorice help prevent?

• NSAID-induced stomach damage: DGL taken alongside NSAIDs like ibuprofen may help protect the stomach lining from the irritation and micro-injury these medications cause
• Ulcer recurrence: maintaining the stomach's mucosal defenses with ongoing DGL use has been associated with reduced rates of ulcer relapse in older clinical research

Which foods are rich in DGL Licorice?

1. Cabbage (raw or juiced): Rich in glutamine and vitamin U, which directly support stomach lining repair and mucosal healing — one of the most researched foods for ulcer recovery
2. Bone broth: Contains glycine, collagen, and gelatin that help rebuild and protect the gut lining, supporting the same mucosal defense DGL promotes
3. Fermented foods (kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut): Provide beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut environment and may help suppress H. pylori colonization alongside DGL therapy
4. Manuka honey: Has documented antibacterial effects against H. pylori and soothes inflamed gastric mucosa — a natural complement to DGL's healing action
5. Cooked oatmeal: Gentle on an irritated stomach, provides soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that coats and soothes the gut lining and supports a healthy gut microbiome

Practical Tips:

DGL is an herbal extract and is not found in food in this form. Focus on gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory whole foods to support the mucosal healing that DGL promotes. Foods to limit: Spicy foods — can worsen gastric irritation and counteract mucosal healing, Alcohol — directly damages the stomach lining and undermines DGL's repair effects, Caffeinated drinks — stimulate excess acid production, working against DGL's protective mechanisms, Highly processed foods and refined sugars — promote gut inflammation and disrupt the microbiome.

What are the side effects of DGL Licorice?

• Mild nausea or stomach upset: uncommon, usually resolves by taking with a small amount of food
• Loose stools: rarely reported at higher doses
• Allergic reactions: very rare, but possible in people sensitive to the Fabaceae plant family
• Headache: occasional and typically transient
• NOT a concern with DGL: high blood pressure, water retention, low potassium, and hormonal effects — these are risks of regular licorice root, not DGL

Good to know:

DGL is one of the safest gut-support supplements available because the glycyrrhizin that causes most of licorice's side effects has been removed. Most people tolerate it very well, even with extended use.

How much DGL Licorice should you take?

• Recommended daily: 380–760 mg of DGL (standardized chewable tablet or powder), taken 2–3 times daily — most commonly 380 mg per dose, three times daily before meals
• Best time of day: Before each main meal — taking it 20–30 minutes before eating gives it time to coat and protect the stomach lining before food and acid arrive
• With or without food: Take on an empty stomach or just before meals for best contact with the stomach and esophageal lining — chewable tablets work best when chewed thoroughly and not washed down immediately
• Time to effect: Symptom relief often felt within 1–2 weeks; meaningful tissue healing typically requires 4–8 weeks of consistent use
• How long to take it: Safe for ongoing daily use, though many practitioners suggest reassessing after 8–12 weeks. No established need for cycling the way whole licorice root requires, given the absence of glycyrrhizin.