Spanish Oregano (Lippia graveolens), also known as Mexican oregano, has a traditional history of use in folk medicine throughout Latin America for various digestive complaints, including symptoms that may overlap with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps. The basis for its use stems from its carminative (gas-relieving) and antispasmodic properties described in traditional herbal medicine texts and ethnobotanical surveys. These effects are attributed to its essential oils, particularly thymol and carvacrol, which are also present in Mediterranean oregano, and are thought to help relax intestinal muscles and reduce discomfort.

However, there is little to no robust scientific research directly evaluating Spanish oregano for IBS specifically. Most available studies focus on its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, with only limited in vitro or animal studies exploring potential antispasmodic effects. No significant clinical trials or systematic reviews have been published on its efficacy for IBS in humans as of mid-2024. Therefore, while its use for digestive complaints is well-rooted in tradition, the evidence supporting its benefit for IBS is weak and not substantiated by high-quality scientific data.