A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or vegetative substance used as a food additive for the purpose of flavoring, and sometimes as a preservative by killing or preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in food. Many of these spices are also used for other purposes such as medicine, cosmetics, perfumery or as religious rituals. For example, turmeric is used as a preservative; licorice as a medicine Some times they are also being referred to by different terms. Spices in spice gardens of Sri Lanka can be distinguished from herbs, which are leafy, green plant parts used for flavoring purposes. Herbs, such as oregano, basil can be used fresh. Spices in spice gardens of Sri Lanka however, are dried and often ground or grated into a powder. Small seeds, such as fennel and mustard seeds, are used both whole and in powder form.