A spice is a seed , fruit , root , bark , or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring , coloring or preserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs , which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish . Many spices have antimicrobial properties. This may explain why spices are more commonly used in warmer climates, which have more infectious diseases , and why the use of spices is prominent in meat, which is particularly susceptible to spoiling. Spices are sometimes used in medicine , religious rituals , cosmetics or perfume production.