Hi Tom,I think we are not sure yet what it is exactly doing but many of us - with different symptoms - feel relieved after taking the oil. I believe the main thing the oil is doing is killing all the bad (and probably lots of the good) bacterias in our digestive system. Although many different reasons may cause the symptoms, still it might make living with IBS a bit easier if you manage to get rid of one of those reasons and its resulting symptoms.I'd suggest you read the thread "Oregano Oil Revised" and decide for yourself if you should try it. If you ask me, you don't have anything to loose...Best regards,Peter...(C&D type)