Spices are aromatic vegetable products used as a flavorings or condiments. The term was formerly also applied to pungent or aromatic foods, incense and perfume ingredients, and embalming agents. Spices include stimulating condiments (such as pepper and mustard), aromatic spices (such as cloves, nutmeg, and mace), and sweet herbs (such as thyme and mint). They are used whole, as powders, and as tinctures. 
