In day to day life, we do not differentiate between spices and herbs. Herbs and spices are used to add flavor to food from ancient time. They are also both used in medical field, cosmetic industry and as preservatives. Some people argues that there is no significant difference between the two considering they both have similar purposes. However, there are some distinct differences.

The first difference between an herb and a spice is where it is found on a plant. Herbs usually come from the green part of a plant such as stem and leaves while spices are obtained from seeds, fruits, roots, bark and other vegetative substances. For Example, Cinnamon is a spice made from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Ginger is made from roots while cumin and nutmeg are made from seeds.

The another difference between the two is spices are tend to come from plants grown in tropical climates where as herbal plants can be grown in many climates around the world.
Herbs can be used in larger portions than spices for flavoring foods. Spices are generally stronger tasting and are used in much smaller amounts.

Generally, herbs are used fresh such as basil or oregano while spices are used dried and usually ground into a powder.

Some plants are both herbs and spices. The leaves of coriandrum sativum are the source of cilantro (herb) while coriander (spice) is from the plant's seeds. Dill is another example. The seeds are a spice while dill weed is an herb derived from the plant's stems and leaves.
Few examples of herbs are thyme, sage, oregano, parsley, marjoram, basil, chives, rosemary and mint. Name of some spices are cinnamon (bark of the cinnamon tree), ginger(root), cloves (flower bud ), saffron, nutmeg, vanilla (undeveloped fruit of an orchid) and cumin.

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