What it is
A spice or herb — flavor from an actual plant, the kind empires were built on.
Why your biology objects
These are concentrated polyphenols and plant compounds (curcumin in turmeric, gingerols, the antioxidants in oregano and clove) — defense chemistry the plant made, repurposed as flavor and benefit. When a recipe has real spices, it doesn't need a "flavor" line.