herb

A plant with a distinctive smell or taste, used to enhance the flavour and aroma of food. Herbs are usually grown in temperate climates (whereas spices are usually tropical). Some are often used for their medicinal properties, hence the speciality of the herbalist. In the USA the word is usually pronounced [erb], to distinguish it from herb [herb] referring to non-woody plants in general.

see pronunciation differences) are plants grown for culinary, medicinal, or in some cases even spiritual value. General usage differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs. A medicinal herb may be a shrub or other woody plant, whereas a culinary herb is a non-woody plant. although any of these, as well as any edible fruits or vegetables, may be considered "herbs" in medicinal or spiritual use. Culinary herbs are distinguished from vegetables in that they are used in small amounts and provide flavor (are spices) rather than substance to food.