DGL by Ortho Molecular Products

If you get meal‑related heartburn or a sore, irritated throat after reflux, DGL licorice for heartburn is a practical first step. It also fits people with frequent NSAID use who want extra mucosal protection. If symptoms persist, ask your clinician about testing for Helicobacter pylori (urea breath or stool antigen) and consider checking a Complete Blood Count or Ferritin if you’ve had black stools or anemia signs.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice removes glycyrrhizin, the blood-pressure–raising component of whole licorice, but keeps protective flavonoids. These compounds increase mucus secretion that shields the esophagus and stomach from acid and bile, and they nudge prostaglandins (local signals that maintain the stomach’s barrier) upward. Marshmallow root and slippery elm provide mucilage, a gel-like coating that physically soothes irritated tissue. Aloe vera leaf gel extract adds a gentle demulcent effect; gel forms are decolorized to minimize laxative anthraquinones.

Take 2 capsules daily, ideally 15–30 minutes before meals when you expect symptoms. Chewable DGL is often used for quick throat/esophageal coating; capsules are better for steady day-to-day support. Expect symptom easing within 1–2 weeks, with fuller benefit by 4 weeks. If you need faster on-demand relief, you can pair this with an alginate or short-acting antacid as directed by your clinician.

DGL is far less likely than whole licorice to raise blood pressure or lower potassium, but discuss use if you have uncontrolled hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or take diuretics or corticosteroids. Slippery elm and marshmallow can reduce absorption of medicines; separate all oral drugs (including levothyroxine and antibiotics) by 2 hours. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety data are limited, so avoid unless your obstetric clinician agrees. New or alarm symptoms like trouble swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools need evaluation, not supplements.