It's refreshing to engage in a conversation where historical and linguistic nuances are appreciated. The evolution of language, especially in terms like "drugs," indeed reflects broader cultural and scientific shifts. The disconnect many feel today between "drugs" and culinary herbs or spices stems from:

• Modern Usage: Over time, "drugs" have become associated primarily with pharmaceuticals, substances with regulated medical or psychoactive uses, overshadowing the term's broader, historical implications.

• Cultural Gap: There's often a lack of education or awareness about the etymology and traditional uses of words, leading to misunderstandings or objections when terms are used outside of their contemporary context.

• Stigma and Legal Context: With the word "drug" now heavily associated with controlled substances, its use in any other context can provoke reactions due to legal or social stigma.

• Loss of Traditional Knowledge: As societies modernize or globalize, traditional knowledge, including the medicinal use of culinary herbs, can fade from common understanding, leaving only the culinary aspect.

Talking about these connections not only enriches culinary appreciation but also bridges the gap between past and present in how we view and use the natural world. It's a reminder of how intertwined food, medicine, and culture have always been, and hopefully, this conversation helps in spreading a bit more of that awareness.