Herbs are the green or leafy parts of a plant used to flavor food. Spices, on the other hand, are the other parts of a plant that can be dried and used as a seasoning. Spices can come from the bark, seeds, berries, etc.1
Common spices in cooking include allspice, anise seed, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, and paprika.
By the way, there are actually two types of cinnamon! The more expensive and rarer type is Ceylon cinnamon (considered to be "true cinnamon"). The cinnamon most common in North America is cassia cinnamon. Though the flavor is certainly similar, Ceylon cinnamon is said to be more subtle yet also more complex.2
Most spices lose their flavor over time. For the best flavor, purchase whole spices (e.g. whole nutmeg, whole cardamom pods, etc.) and grate or grind them right as you need them.
