Dorothy - FYI - there are scientific studies that support the use of probiotics (e.g. see this message ), peppermint (see references below), fennel and digestive enzymes (e.g. lactase) for IBS.
It is indeed a great time to be alive. At my advanced age (64) I hope to see a major break through in the treatment of IBS before I leave the planet
References
Grigoleit, H.-G. and P. Grigoleit, 2005: Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome. Phytomedicine, 12, 601-606.
Kligler, B. and S. Chaudhary, 2007: Peppermint oil. American Family Physician, 75, 1027-1030.
-------------------- STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS