What Are Clove Cigarettes And How Do They Differ From Regular Cigarettes?

Clove cigarettes, often mistaken for a safer or more natural alternative to traditional tobacco products, have gained attention worldwide due to their distinct flavor, aromatic smoke, and historical roots in Indonesia. Despite their appeal—particularly among younger smokers—the reality is that clove cigarettes pose serious health risks comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, those of conventional cigarettes. Understanding what clove cigarettes are, how they are made, and how they differ chemically, culturally, and legally from regular cigarettes is essential for informed decision-making about tobacco use.

The term “clove cigarette” typically refers to a blend of tobacco, ground cloves, and other additives rolled into a cigarette form. Known widely by the Indonesian brand name kretek, these cigarettes deliver a unique sensory experience: a sweet, spicy aroma with a numbing sensation on the throat. This has contributed to their popularity in social settings and among those seeking novelty in smoking. However, public health agencies across the globe, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have raised alarms over their misleading perception as “milder” or “less harmful.” In truth, clove cigarettes contain many of the same toxic compounds found in regular cigarettes—and often in higher concentrations.

Definition & Overview

Clove cigarettes, or kreteks, originated in late 19th-century Java, Indonesia. The name \"kretek\" comes from the Javanese onomatopoeic word for the crackling sound the burning cloves make when smoked. Traditionally, kreteks were hand-rolled using chopped tobacco, ground clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum), and a binding agent such as cocoa butter or sugar, wrapped in rice paper or tobacco leaf wrappers rather than standard cigarette paper.

Kreteks began as medicinal remedies, believed to soothe asthma and respiratory discomfort due to the eugenol in cloves—a compound with mild anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Over time, they evolved into mass-produced commercial products and became deeply embedded in Indonesian culture. Today, they account for the majority of cigarette consumption in Indonesia, with major brands like Djarum, Gudang Garam, and Sampoerna dominating the market.

In Western countries, clove cigarettes emerged primarily as flavored tobacco alternatives, often marketed through underground distribution or specialty tobacconists before facing increasing regulatory scrutiny. Unlike herbal smoking blends or nicotine-free alternatives, clove cigarettes are tobacco-based products designed to deliver nicotine along with the sensory effects of clove oil.

Key Characteristics

• Base Ingredients: A mixture of finely cut tobacco (50–70%), ground clove buds or clove oil (20–40%), and various flavorings or humectants.
• Aroma: Distinctively sweet, warm, and spicy with prominent notes of clove, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla or menthol depending on formulation.
• Smoke Profile: Thick, fragrant smoke with a cooling or numbing sensation in the throat caused by eugenol.
• Nicotine Content: Comparable to or slightly lower than regular cigarettes, but compensated for by deeper inhalation due to the anesthetic effect.
• Burning Properties: Slower burn rate due to clove oil content and dense packing; produces a characteristic crackling sound.
• Wrapper Material: Often made from reconstituted tobacco sheet or dark brown paper, differing from the thin white paper used in most American-style cigarettes.

Core Features of Clove Cigarettes vs. Regular Cigarettes

Feature	Clove Cigarette (Kretek)	Regular Cigarette
Main Additive	Ground cloves / clove oil (eugenol)	No significant flavor additives (in unflavored versions)
Aroma During Smoking	Strong clove scent, sweet-spicy	Tobacco-smoke odor, acrid
Throat Sensation	Numbing, smoother draw due to eugenol	Irritating, harsh unless filtered heavily
Typical Wrapper	Tobacco leaf or dark paper	Thin bleached paper
Origin	Indonesia (Java)	Global, modern form developed in Europe/Americas

How Clove Cigarettes Differ from Regular Cigarettes

The differences between clove and regular cigarettes extend beyond flavor and cultural origin—they affect how the product is used, perceived, and regulated.

Chemical Composition and Toxicity

While both types deliver nicotine and carcinogens, clove cigarettes introduce additional chemical concerns. Eugenol, the primary active compound in cloves, acts as a local anesthetic, reducing throat irritation and enabling users to inhale more deeply and hold smoke longer. This increases lung exposure to tar, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter.

Studies show that clove cigarettes produce significantly higher levels of certain toxins:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Up to 50% higher than regular cigarettes due to incomplete combustion of clove oil.
• Particulate Matter: Increased tar yield per puff because of denser smoke.
• Coumarin and Acetaldehyde: Elevated levels of these respiratory irritants and potential carcinogens.
• Nickel and Chromium: Trace metals introduced during clove processing may be present in higher amounts.

According to the FDA, “Clove cigarettes are not safer than regular cigarettes. The addition of clove may mask symptoms of irritation, leading to increased smoke intake and greater risk of lung damage.” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products

Smoking Behavior and User Experience

The sensory profile of clove cigarettes alters user behavior. Because eugenol dulls the throat, new or inexperienced smokers may find them easier to inhale, lowering the barrier to initiation. This has been a major concern in youth tobacco prevention efforts.

Additionally, the pleasant aroma makes secondhand smoke less offensive to bystanders, potentially increasing social acceptability and passive exposure in shared environments. Unlike the sharp, lingering smell of tobacco smoke, clove smoke dissipates more quickly and leaves behind a bakery-like scent, which can normalize smoking behavior in non-smoking spaces.

Regulatory Status

One of the most critical distinctions lies in legal regulation. In the United States, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 banned flavored cigarettes—including clove cigarettes—except for menthol. This was specifically aimed at curbing youth initiation, as flavored products were shown to increase experimentation among minors.

As a result, authentic clove cigarettes are illegal to sell in the U.S., though counterfeit or smuggled versions occasionally appear in niche markets. Some manufacturers attempted to circumvent the ban by selling “filtered cigar wraps” or “herbal smoking blends,” but the FDA has cracked down on these loopholes.

In contrast, clove cigarettes remain legal and widely available in Indonesia, where tobacco control measures are weaker and cultural acceptance is high. Other Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia and Thailand restrict or tax them heavily, while the European Union allows limited sales under strict labeling requirements.

Variants & Types of Clove Cigarettes

Clove cigarettes come in several forms, varying by region, production method, and target market.

1. Full-Kretek (Kretek Tangan)

Hand-rolled in Indonesia using natural tobacco and whole-ground cloves. These are considered premium kreteks, often sold in artisanal packs and favored for their rich flavor and authenticity. They tend to have higher clove content (up to 40%) and use tobacco leaf wrappers.

2. Machine-Made Kreteks (Kretek Mesin)

Mass-produced versions with standardized blends. These dominate domestic and export markets. While consistent in quality, they often include added sugars, glycerin, and synthetic flavor enhancers to stabilize taste and improve shelf life.

3. Clove-Flavored Rolling Tobacco

Sold in pouches for hand-rolling, this variant appeals to DIY smokers who mix their own blends. It usually contains a pre-mixed combination of tobacco and clove powder or essential oil. Availability varies by country due to flavor additive restrictions.

4. Herbal or Non-Tobacco Clove Cigarettes

Marketed as “tobacco-free” or “nicotine-free” alternatives, these use herbs like corn silk, passionflower, or licorice root combined with clove. Though sold as relaxation aids or ceremonial smokes, they still produce harmful combustion byproducts when lit and should not be considered safe.

Comparison of Clove Cigarette Variants

Type	Clove Content	Tobacco?	Availability	Notes
Full-Kretek (Hand-Rolled)	High (30–40%)	Yes	Indonesia, specialty importers	Premium, artisanal, strong aroma
Machine-Made Kretek	Moderate (20–30%)	Yes	Global (where legal)	Consistent, widely distributed
Clove-Flavored Rolling Mix	Variable	Yes	Limited regions	Used with rolling papers
Herbal Clove Blends	Low–Moderate	No	Online, head shops	No nicotine, but still hazardous when smoked

Practical Tips & FAQs

Are clove cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes?

No. Despite common misconceptions, clove cigarettes are not safer. They contain nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and additional irritants like eugenol, which can suppress cough reflexes and encourage deeper inhalation. The CDC states that clove cigarette smoke is equally or more toxic than regular cigarette smoke.

Can you buy clove cigarettes legally in the U.S.?

No. As of 2009, the sale of clove-flavored cigarettes is banned under federal law. Any product labeled as a clove cigarette containing tobacco and flavoring is prohibited. Exceptions exist only for cigars with specific criteria, but these are tightly regulated.

Is eugenol harmful when inhaled?

Yes. While eugenol is safe in small amounts as a food additive or dental antiseptic, inhaling it in combusted form poses risks. Chronic exposure has been linked to lung inflammation, allergic reactions, and respiratory depression. Animal studies show eugenol vapor can cause epithelial damage in airways.

Do clove cigarettes help people quit smoking?

There is no evidence that clove cigarettes aid smoking cessation. On the contrary, they maintain nicotine dependence and may prolong addiction due to their palatable flavor and reduced throat harshness. Approved cessation tools like NRT (nicotine replacement therapy), varenicline, or behavioral counseling are far more effective.

Are there any culinary uses for clove cigarette ingredients?

No. While whole cloves are a staple spice in global cuisines, the processed clove powder or oil used in kreteks is not food-grade and may contain solvents, pesticides, or combustion promoters unsuitable for consumption. Never use tobacco or cigarette components in cooking.

Expert Tip: If you're exploring clove as a flavor in food or beverages, use whole dried clove buds or pure clove essential oil—sparingly—from reputable culinary suppliers. One whole clove is potent enough to flavor an entire pot of mulled wine or rice dish. Always remove cloves before serving, as biting into one releases concentrated eugenol, which can be overwhelming or mildly numbing.

Health Implications and Public Health Perspective

Public health organizations uniformly warn against clove cigarette use. The WHO includes kreteks in its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), urging member states to regulate or ban flavored tobacco products. Indonesia remains one of the few countries without comprehensive smoke-free laws or graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging.

Research indicates that clove cigarette smokers face elevated risks of:

• Lung injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function
• Increased susceptibility to pneumonia and tuberculosis
• Nicotine addiction and cardiovascular strain

A notable case study from the early 2010s involved U.S. emergency rooms reporting clusters of young patients with severe coughing, shortness of breath, and fever after using imported clove cigarettes. These cases were linked to eugenol-induced lipoid pneumonia—an inflammatory condition caused by inhaled oils damaging lung tissue.

Summary & Key Takeaways

Clove cigarettes, or kreteks, are tobacco products infused with ground cloves and clove oil, originating in Indonesia and known for their aromatic, numbing smoke. Despite their appealing flavor and cultural significance, they are not a safe alternative to regular cigarettes.

• Clove cigarettes contain tobacco, nicotine, and harmful combustion products—including higher levels of carbon monoxide and particulates than regular cigarettes.
• Eugenol in cloves masks throat irritation, encouraging deeper inhalation and increasing lung exposure to toxins.
• They are banned in the United States and many other countries due to public health concerns, especially regarding youth smoking initiation.
• Different types exist—from hand-rolled full-kreteks to herbal non-tobacco blends—but all carry respiratory risks when smoked.
• There is no safe level of clove cigarette use; quitting tobacco altogether is the best path to long-term health.

If you or someone you know is considering clove cigarettes as a “safer” option, reconsider. The evidence shows they are equally or more harmful than regular cigarettes. For support in quitting tobacco, consult a healthcare provider or visit Smokefree.gov for science-backed resources and tools.