Poison

I'm trying to stay minimal "soap boxy" and not get all "brow beaty" but the side effects of pharmaceuticals is becoming an epidemic of it's own.  In searching Scripture for another article, I came across the second definition of the Greek term that bears the root word for our English word "pharmaceutical."

farmakeiva Pharmakeia

1. the use or the administering of drugs
2. poisoning 

Suddenly, my light came on brightly!  Of course, pharmaceuticals are poison.  They are formulated to kill or reduce.  These chemicals kill various things.  Some of them kill bacteria, some are said to kill viruses, antibiotics kill infection, and some kill pain.  Now, there is also a plethora of pharmaceuticals formulated to take the rest of our lives that reduce blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and an entire host of poisons to reduce the effects of stress.  

Psychiatric meds are troublesome on two levels because pharmaceuticals do not encourage life, and most psychiatric meds alter the chemicals in the brain with more pronounced side-effects than improvements.  The other problem with psychiatric meds is the fact that often these individuals are prone to depression and an overdose of these prescription poisons can be lethal.

Logically speaking, the fact that each pharmaceutical is precisely measured and prescribed according to specific bodily variables, is a clear indication any amount over what is considered "safe" can be hazardous.  Granted there are some herbs that must be monitored and there are some toxic plants, but by and large, the toxic plants are not medicinal and the average person would be hard pressed to consume enough remedy herbs to injure themselves over the short term.  An herbalist can offer clear and simple information regarding herbal use and consumption safety.  Doctors and pharmacists can offer only one two-part statement:  Take as directed.  In case of possible overdose, call poison control.   Even the professionals that use pharmaceuticals admit problems are handled by "poison control."  How many pharmaceuticals are called a "controlled substance?"

The possible side effects of proper use of pharmaceuticals is virtually endless and sadly, the figures of those who die from medical errors and reactions to the medications range from 100,000 to 400,000 per year.

One would have to choose to miss the direct correlation between the Greek term pharmakeia and the English pharmaceutical.   Just as Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gives the meaning to be poisoning, the PDR and precise dosage measurement confirms the word from Greek to English does not change the meaning.  Poison is poison!