Clove Cigarettes: Facts, Risks, and Health Effects

Clove cigarettes, also known as kreteks, are tobacco cigarettes blended with ground cloves and clove oil. Despite common misconceptions, they contain nicotine and produce harmful smoke with similar or greater health risks compared to regular cigarettes, including lung damage, cardiovascular problems, and addiction. The U.S. FDA banned flavored cigarettes including clove varieties in 2009 due to health concerns.

Understanding Clove Cigarettes: Composition and History

Clove cigarettes, traditionally called kreteks (from the Indonesian onomatopoeic word for the crackling sound they make when burning), originated in 19th century Java, Indonesia. These distinctive cigarettes contain a blend of tobacco, ground cloves, and clove oil, typically comprising 60-80% tobacco and 20-40% ground cloves.

Indonesian laborers initially developed kreteks as an affordable alternative to regular cigarettes, believing the clove content provided medicinal benefits for respiratory issues. Over time, they became deeply embedded in Indonesian culture, with some regions consuming them at rates exceeding 80% of total cigarette consumption.

What's Actually in Clove Cigarettes?

Despite marketing that suggested they were "natural" or "safer" alternatives, laboratory analyses reveal clove cigarettes contain numerous harmful substances:

Component	Percentage in Kreteks	Health Implications
Tobacco	60-80%	Nicotine addiction, carcinogens, tar
Ground Cloves	20-40%	Eugenol (numbing effect masks smoke harshness)
Clove Oil	Added separately	Increases depth of inhalation, enhances nicotine absorption
Other Additives	Varies by brand	Flavorings, preservatives, burn enhancers

Health Risks of Clove Cigarette Use

Research consistently demonstrates that clove cigarettes pose significant health risks comparable to or exceeding those of regular cigarettes. The misconception that they're safer stems from the numbing effect of eugenol (the main compound in clove oil), which masks the harshness of smoke, leading users to inhale more deeply and frequently.

A 2011 study published in Tobacco Control found that kretek smokers had:

• 2.5 times higher levels of carcinogenic volatile organic compounds
• 15-20% greater carbon monoxide exposure
• Increased risk of acute lung injury ("popcorn lung") from diacetyl sometimes added as flavoring
• Similar nicotine addiction potential to regular cigarettes

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically notes that clove cigarette smoke contains higher levels of nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide than many regular cigarette brands, contradicting early marketing claims about their safety.

Legal Status Around the World

Due to growing evidence of health risks, many countries have restricted or banned clove cigarettes:

Country/Region	Legal Status	Key Regulations
United States	Banned since 2009	Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibits flavored cigarettes (excluding menthol)
Canada	Banned	2009 ban on all flavored tobacco products
European Union	Restricted	Tobacco Products Directive limits certain additives
Indonesia	Legal with restrictions	Largest consumer market; recent regulations on advertising and youth access
Australia	Banned	Prohibited as flavored tobacco products

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Clove Cigarettes

Several persistent myths about clove cigarettes require clarification based on scientific evidence:

"Clove cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes"

This is false. The numbing effect of eugenol creates a false perception of reduced harm by making smoke feel less harsh, encouraging deeper inhalation and potentially increasing exposure to toxins. Research shows kreteks deliver comparable or higher levels of harmful substances.

"Clove cigarettes don't cause addiction"

Clove cigarettes contain tobacco and deliver nicotine, the highly addictive substance in all tobacco products. Studies show similar addiction potential to regular cigarettes.

"The cloves provide medicinal benefits"

While clove oil has topical medicinal uses, burning it and inhaling the smoke destroys any potential benefits and creates new harmful compounds. The American Lung Association states there are no health benefits to inhaling burned clove particles.

Resources for Those Seeking to Quit

Whether you've been smoking clove cigarettes or regular tobacco products, quitting provides immediate and long-term health benefits. Evidence-based cessation methods include:

• Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges)
• Prescription medications like varenicline or bupropion
• Behavioral counseling and support groups
• Mobile apps and digital cessation programs

The National Cancer Institute's Smokefree.gov offers free, evidence-based resources for quitting all forms of tobacco, including clove cigarettes. Many former kretek smokers report that understanding the actual health risks was a crucial factor in their decision to quit.

Are clove cigarettes less harmful than regular cigarettes?

No, clove cigarettes are not less harmful. They contain similar or higher levels of nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide compared to regular cigarettes. The eugenol in cloves creates a numbing effect that masks smoke harshness, often leading to deeper inhalation and potentially greater exposure to harmful substances.

Why did the United States ban clove cigarettes?

The United States banned clove cigarettes in 2009 under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This legislation prohibited the sale of flavored cigarettes (except menthol) because evidence showed they appealed to youth and created a false perception of reduced harm, potentially increasing tobacco use among young people.

Do clove cigarettes contain nicotine?

Yes, clove cigarettes contain nicotine. They typically consist of 60-80% tobacco, which delivers nicotine just like regular cigarettes. The misconception that they don't contain nicotine likely stems from early marketing that emphasized the clove content while downplaying the tobacco component.

Can you still buy clove cigarettes anywhere legally?

Clove cigarettes remain legally available in some countries, most notably Indonesia where they originated and represent a significant portion of the tobacco market. However, they are banned in the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries due to health concerns and regulations against flavored tobacco products.

What are the specific health risks of clove cigarette smoking?

Clove cigarette smoking carries risks similar to regular cigarettes including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Specific concerns include higher exposure to certain carcinogens, increased risk of acute lung injury from flavoring additives, and potentially greater carbon monoxide exposure. The eugenol content may cause additional irritation to respiratory tissues when burned and inhaled.