What plants against painful periods?

Painful periods, called "dysmenorrhea" by doctors, are very common before and / or during menstruation and generate localized pain in the lower abdomen. What are the plants that can bring relief to the many women who suffer during menstruation? 

Painful menstruation, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome 
Painful periods are typically part of PMS, set of symptoms presenting in 2-3 days approaching or menstruating fatigue, breast tenderness, irritability, headaches, bloating, etc. An estimated 50-80% of fertile women suffer, but with very varying intensity. 5 to 15% of them, are such that the symptoms interfere with daily life. Also note that PMS is more common in women leaving adolescence and entering menopause.

Severe pain, constant, abnormal bleeding. must see! 
If the pain during menstruation are extremely common and benign, but careful not to miss endometriosis, another gynecologic disorder, infection or an ectopic pregnancy. When in doubt, consult and in all cases when the pain is very intense, intensify, they last beyond the period of menstrual bleeding, but when accompanied by abnormal bleeding (superabundant between the rules).

Paracetamol versus aspirin 
Please note also, if take paracetamol is recommended to relieve pain, however, it is important not to take aspirin. By thinning the blood, aspirin may increase the amount of bleeding and length of rules. Namely, the doctor may simply suggest to change contraception (hormonal IUD, etc).

Plants that relieve menstrual pain 

Vitex to relieve premenstrual syndrome 
Because of its hormonal effects (on the secretion of prolactin and progesterone), dried chaste tree berry are used to relieve PMS and menstrual disorders (irregular rules absent, painful). In the absence of conclusive evidence, the European Medicines Agency considers "traditional" this use of chaste tree to relieve PMS. Attention hormonal effects of chaste tree and the need for treatment of 3-6 cycles to get the desired effects require a doctor's supervision, which will evaluate the cons-indications (breast cancer, hormone treatments, anti-Parkinson drugs, etc) .

Fennel, antispasmodic against menstrual pain 
Fennel contains fenchone, the substance that gives it particular antispasmodic used for digestive disorders, colic and painful periods. As dried fruit or essential oil, fennel also has a hormone-like effect. Prudence, fennel also contains potentially toxic substances, hence the recommendation not to exceed 7 g of dried fruit a day and limit treatment to two weeks maximum. In rare cases, fennel may cause allergic reactions. Finally, fennel-cons is indicated with the photosensitizing drug.

White willow 
Kittens white willow are used in the treatment of menstrual pain because they contain phytoestrogens, similar to female hormones. The effects, however, have not been scientifically validated.

Other useful plants against menstrual pain 
Yarrow, dill, wormwood common, milk thistle, turmeric, feverfew.

Rethink your lifestyle 
Finally, lifestyle account and can also help reduce period pain: a gentle, regular physical activity, eviction of alcohol and tobacco, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 and limiting red meat and animal and industrial fats (trans fatty acids) and finally getting enough sleep and quality.