Generally I find they are. Herbs are leaves, flowers and (herbaceous) stems, spices are other parts. A plant might provide both a herb and a spice, but they will typically be different parts of a plant.
Saffron is from a flower and is considered a spice tho. It might be the way it’s processed that makes a difference. Regardless, when talking of the East India Company, the spice trade, and how that led to conquests, tea is always an important part of that story.
Tea would be a herb.
“Herb” and “spice” aren’t mutually exclusive tho.
Generally I find they are. Herbs are leaves, flowers and (herbaceous) stems, spices are other parts. A plant might provide both a herb and a spice, but they will typically be different parts of a plant.
Like coriander vs cilantro. Actually that’s the only example I know.
Saffron is from a flower and is considered a spice tho. It might be the way it’s processed that makes a difference. Regardless, when talking of the East India Company, the spice trade, and how that led to conquests, tea is always an important part of that story.