- Iatrogenic
- Literally means “physician-produced” and is applied to any medical condition, disease, or adverse occurrence that results from intervening medical treatment.
- Idiopathic
- Of an unknown cause.
- Immunostimulant
- A substance that stimulates the immune system into greater action.
- Inflorescence
- The flowering structure above the last stem leaves, including bracts and flowers.
- Infusion
- A water-based herbal extract made by immersing the plant material in boiling water; a tea made by steeping (not boiling) the buds, flowers, leaves, or other parts of the plant for several minutes in hot water.
The difference between a decoction and an infusion is that the herbs are simmered to make a decoction, but steeped to make an infusion. The longer a preparation steeps, the more phytochemicals will be extracted from the herb. In addition, more tannins will also be extracted and the more bitter the taste. The standard recipe is one ounce of dried, or two ounces and one-half ounces of fresh, herbs to one pint of distilled, filtered, or freshly boiled water. Steep for five to ten minutes or longer, if desired. Strain. A typical dose would be one-half cup three times per day.
- Iodine
- An element used in some products as an antiseptic.
Care must be taken as it can be an allergen.
- Irritant
- A substance that produces redness, itching, and swelling or blisters on the skin.
- Isothiocyanates
- Phytochemicals found in horseradish, for example.
They induce the production of protective enzymes and inhibit DNA damage, thereby reducing such risks as breast cancer.
