There isnt a lot to add to what the other people have said allready. Have you tried Kava (piper methysticum)? This stuff is so great it should be put in the drinking water if it wasnt for the foul taste.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/drobson70.htmSpecific Applications For Bodybuilders:
1. Diuretic function: Kava Kava helps to eliminate the water from beneath the key that obscures hard won muscularity.
2. Offset overtraining: Kava Kava may offset overtraining by exerting a relaxant effect on the muscle, which enhances the re-building process, provided other measures are also followed (EG: layoff from training, increased sleep which Kava Kava will also facilitate).
Especially point 1 makes a lot of sense before a competition.
Dont buy capsules, pastes, tinctures or whatever hokey is out there. Get the dried lateral root, 1 cup of root to 2-3 cups of water. let it soak for as long as you like. I often make the grog the day before, put it in the fridge and then the day after when I need it, i blend it for a couple of minutes with a bit of heavy cream and strain it forcefully. The active agents are not water soluble so you need to really force them out of the root. The only acceptable alternative to the root is a few of the "instant" kavas available. They also get the jobs done, but the real deal is best, hands down.
There are many good vendours out there. I deal mostly with "nakamal at home" from Boca Ruton in Florida. Some of the best kava's on the marked and the service is top notch. This blog takes a look at whats out there:
http://kavasseur.blogspot.com/