Herbs and spices are obtained from plants. They are used primarily for culinary, cosmetic or medical reasons. Both can be consumed fresh or by dry. But there are tiny differences between herbs and spices.
Herbs are collected from the leaves of herbaceous (non-woody) plants. In some country they are even used in higher amount than spices. Herbs usually grow in temperate regions, both in the wild and as cultivators. It has also the definition of any herbaceous plant that dies down at the end of the growing season.
Spices are gathered from roots, buds, flowers, fruits, seeds, vines or bark. They are from tropical and subtropical climates and can be woody or herbaceous plants. Spices often have stronger fragrant properties than herbs.
Some plants are both herbs and spices, like dill. Its seeds are a spice while dill weed are from stems and leaves.
The use of herbs has grown in the last years. They are used to strengthen the body and treat disease. However they contain active substances that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. This is why herbs should be taken with caution under the supervision of a herbalist or a practitioner that has a deeply knowledge in the area of botanical medicine.