Are there any herbs that can function as a diuretic?

In the health food supplement industry, there are herbs that are claimed to treat anything underneath the sun. Herbs like ginger root, couch grass, buchu leaf and hydrangea root are widely reported to work as water pills. 

Unfortunately, there are no studies that show that these herbs actually work as water pills. I definitely do not recommend them. In addition, quality control is a major issue with herbal products and some manufactures have been known to spike the herbs with real pharmaceutical drugs. 

Best advice, limit the amount of external herbs and medicines if you do not need them. Herbal mania is out of control. While drugs have side effects, you can always sue the doctor or the manufacturer. With a herb, whom are you going to sue?

Can I take yohimbine to boost my erection?

Sure, you can take anything you want. Yohimbine is an alkaloid from an African tree. It was once used to treat high blood pressure but at present has no clinical uses. It has been noted that yohimbine can cause erection in some people, but this is not a universal finding. The drug is not FDA approved for erectile failure and the drug is not available in the USA. Moreover, yohimbine has many unpleasant side effects such as increasing anxiety, increasing blood pressure and makes you act MENTAL- definitely do not recommend it.

I have read that folic acid can enhance libido. Is this true?

No that is B.S. Folic acid does no such thing, even if you take a kilogram everyday. Most vitamins and minerals have been hyped up with miraculous cures just so manufacturers can make money. Who ever told you that folic acid can give you an erection is clueless, idiot and a fool (and a scam artist).

Does epimedium (Horny goat weed) work for erectile failure?

Epimedium is a very old Chinese herb, which is widely used in the Orient to treat a number of problems including erectile failure. Like most things from the Orient, there is very little in the scientific literature about this herb. It is claimed that epimedium may help lower your blood pressure and also thins your blood. So far, I have not been impressed of most things from the Orient, and I would definitely not advise you to take this herb. Further, the purity of Chinese herbs is questionable and there are also instances where the herbs have been spiked with real pharmaceutical drugs.

I have high cholesterol and have been thinking of taking arginine instead of medications. What do you think?

I am not an advocate of drugs for life, unless you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Try cutting down on your weight, change your diet, and walk more. You may try arginine but most evidence suggests that it does not lower cholesterol.

What is the maximum dose of arginine I can take every day?

The supplement is safe and there is no tolerable upper intake level. You may take anywhere from 400 to 6,000 mg daily. A few people may develop nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.

I would like to increase my exercise endurance. Do you think arginine may help?

Even though many athletes are using mega doses of arginine to build muscles and improve exercise endurance, there is little scientific evidence to back this theory. You can try it and see for yourself. My advice- eat right, work harder and life more weights- this is the hard way but it works.

I have heard that arginine can help my impotence. What do you think?

Well, there are a few studies, which show that men who took arginine had stronger and longer lasting erections. Unfortunately, other studies have not found such observations. If you have a problem with erections, you need a new mate or Viagra. Arginine is a waste of money for erectile failure.

I smoke and have been having cramps when I walk. My doctor says I should try arginine. What do you think?

Well, my advice is stop smoking. It is an unhealthy habit. If you do not stop smoking, then nothing will help you. You may try arginine, but you also need to eat healthy, exercise and reduce your weight.

Some studies show that smokers with peripheral vascular disease do benefit from arginine supplements. It is not known if the benefits are sustained.