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.

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.

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.

• Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers)
• Acid reflux and heartburn (GERD)
• Gastritis and stomach inflammation
• H. pylori infection support
• Leaky gut and intestinal permeability
• Mouth ulcers (canker sores)
• Functional dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Esophageal irritation
• IBS-related gut discomfort

• 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

• 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
• Bone broth — Contains glycine, collagen, and gelatin that help rebuild and protect the gut lining, supporting the same mucosal defense DGL promotes
• Fermented foods (kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut) — Provide beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut environment and may help suppress H. pylori colonization alongside DGL therapy
• Manuka honey — Has documented antibacterial effects against H. pylori and soothes inflamed gastric mucosa — a natural complement to DGL's healing action
• 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

• 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

• 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.