The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Helena (Leeds) on 10/05/2017
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar for hair loss
Hi all. I firmly believe you should tackle any problem from the inside aswell as the out, so instead of getting 50% of possible results you take it closer to 100%. Yes ACV is a good starting point but I must stress NOT the only step. Tackling hair loss takes commitment and time. I am in my 40's now and of reasonably good health ( I walk to and from work each day and exercise regularly) but despite my health I was losing hair and thinning, especially on the top and also a little at temples.
ACV is your base, it helps clear any fungal infections and parasites. Choose a brand with the 'mother' - this is very important (there are many including: Bragg, Finios or Luckyeats all raw, organic and with mother)
Step 1. What I do is mix about 1 tsp of ACV with my shampoo (ANY SLS/SLES free - there are so many now out there that it would be pointless listing as all decent) and apply. Note that I don't advocate using ACV neat as a rinse though as I find it stings my scalp and also strips my hair dye. Although I use hair dye I would suggest to avoid if possible, or like me if you really must then I suggest Naturtint, Colour Me Organic or Herbatint are all quite natural). I massage shampoo/ACV in for 20 seconds and try to leave in for up to 1 minute if I have time. Rinse with lukewarm water NOT hot! As and when required.
Step 2. Supplement. Aim for a supplement with a good representation of anti-DHT and nutrients, examples: Solgar skin hair & nails or Food science of Vermont. Both have a good range although the latter more suited to male hair loss whilst the former to female imo.
Step 3. Apply a good scalp oil at least 2 x a week. There is a Russian brand (loosely translated as 'pygeut') although not seen this outside of Russia. Another good one is Divine Herbal Hair oil which combines 31 oils and extracts and quite easy to get hold of!
Try the above 3 steps for 4-8 weeks. Most people I recommend to will see a difference in this time, at the very least to the amount of hair shedding. Thickening of the hair will take longer. But importantly a multi-pronged approach is your best bet so that you tackle it from every angle.
Additionally you can add a derma roller or just dry-massage your scalp daily. Both will help increase bloodflow to the scalp which also helps. But try the 3-step approach first alone. Only add one of the techniques just mentioned if you are still not noticing a difference after week 8.
Also for female hair loss sufferers - iron levels and thyroid tests are a must. And if you take iron supplements then drink fresh orange juice daily as the vitamin C helps the iron to be absorbed properly.
I hope this helps someone :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John R. (Fort Pierce Fl) on 01/13/2017
★★★★★
I've been drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for about 5 months, also food grade hydrogen peroxide for other reasons not for hair loss but I noticed a family pic of me about 8 mon ago and my hair is a lot thicker now since I've been taking these two things and my congestive heart failure is gone and my cholesterol is good for the first time in 10 years and I haven't taken my cholesterol medicine in a year thank you EC and TEd. God bless everyone reading this
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by G (Sydney Au) on 06/10/2016
★★★★★
There are many ways to use ACV for the hair.
One of them is to add anything from 1 tsp to 1 tbs of ACV to 1 Lt of water and, after washing your hair, simply pour it through your hair, massage it into the scalp and leave in to dry.
There's no need to rinse it out and the vinegar smell dissipates rapidly as your hair dries.
You could add a few drops of Lavender, Rosemary and Tea Tree essential oils to the rinse as well.
I find that 1 tablespoon of ACV (for me personally) is far too strong and causes my scalp to increase oil production, whereas 1 teaspoon seems to be just right. I don't use it every time I wash my hair, but it does seem to leave it feeling fresh, clean and soft whenever I do.
I can't comment on its efficacy in treating hair loss, though.
Play around with the amount of ACV and see what works best for you.
I wouldn't, as others suggest, use bicarb (baking soda) to 'wash' hair with - it's incredibly drying and can lead to hair breaking off/falling out, because it's highly alkaline with a pH of 9.5! (skin and hair naturally have an acidic pH of 4.5 - 5.0).
It's only a matter of time before regular use of baking soda as a 'natural shampoo' causes excessive damage (sometimes it's 2 or 3 years before a person realizes what's happening and by then, the damage is generally done).
Good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Courtney (Or) on 05/31/2016
★★★★★
Please look into a supplement called DIM. I used this to decrease my estrogen buildup.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glen (Ky) on 05/23/2016
Hi Sandy,
I was wondering if you can update progress of hair growth with ACV? Are you still using it and seeing positive results?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Wny) on 12/17/2015
I love apple cidar vinegar but also know that some people (mostly females) experience hair loss due to an underactive thyroid condition known as hypothyroidism. On your next doctor's appt ask him or her for a thyroid test (bloodwork). There are known natural treatments in addition to the mainstream precribed synthroid medication.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandy (Christchurch) on 11/11/2015 2 posts
★★★★★
After reading about the Apple Cider Vinegar, I decided to give it a try for my excessive hair loss, which started around menopause 5 years ago. My hair is so thin now compared to the lush head of thick hair I had.
To my utter astonishment my hair is not falling out any more, I drink 2 tablespoons 3x daily, and twice a week I rub some into my scalp and leave it on for one hour.
I no longer clog up the sink and shower drain, or the vacuum, what a miracle tonic, I have also cured my hot flashes with this also.
I will take this for life!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alem (Fairfax) on 11/18/2014
On Hair Loss and Apple Cider - can you help on how the use of the cider do I apply it on my hair or take it by mouth ??
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chloe (New York City, NY) on 10/09/2014
Apple cider vinegar could very well be depleting your iodine levels and that would cause hair loss. Do you take supplemental iodine or lugol's iodine drops? I would recommend you do so immediately. Forget the apple cider vinegar for a week or two.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kristina (Riverside Ca) on 10/09/2014
I have been drinking apple cider vinegar for the past week to help with my gallbladder pain I having surgery Friday but just wanted to use this drink to help with the pain until then, but for the past couple of days my hair has been falling out extremely bad. I'm wondering if its from drinking acv. Has anyone lost their hair because of drinking this? Please help im very worried about how much hair im losing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shweta (India) on 02/28/2014
I had a major hair loss problem when I changed my city after marriage. I don't know what contributed to it - water, diet, weather or fungal infection. But what helped me was an ayurvedic product which my brother in law was using. I don't know if I can name it here but it's a hair vitalizer (Reg**) by an Indian company. My brother in law used to have an itchy scalp and dandruff it helped him. For me it stopped my drastic hairfall. It didn't work too good my father in law who is almost 70 yrs old. I guess it works for those who have hair problems because of some disease or deficiencies or external factors.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 04/26/2013
So recently you developed bumps and rash ? Maybe it is something new and not just the old problem!
Bugsy if you are a man you can use natural progesterone cream 1/8 tsp. 2x a week.
I use E..... A brand. Somewhere it said to mix it with Hyaluronic acid and rub in for hair growth. There are two kinds of the HA so not sure which one. Too much testosterone makes hair problems in men and women
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bugsy1 (Los Angeles, Ca) on 04/26/2013
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I've been suffering from hair loss since I was 16 and I am now I'm my 40's I've tried many shampoo, medication and vitamin scalp injections and nothing worked. A doctor told me once that I have hormonal imbalance and nothing can be done to solve the problem. Lately, the itching and red bumps have been terrible. I've tried apple cider vinegar which works but the itchiness comes back. My hair is very thin now and the hair fall hasn't stopped. Baby hair would grow but would fall off. I've also noticed that when my hair falls from the root but the root is almost invisible.
Could you please help me make my own shampoo and let me know what food or vitamins I should take and which ones to avoid?
Thank you so much!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ratgirldjh (Austin, Tx) on 01/21/2011
I've found drinking more water also helps this. And as someone else posted - not washing your hair so often and using something gentle (non SLS) such as just conditioner or a soap bar with a diluted ACV rinse afterwards. What helped me most was waiting until my hair was actually dirty before washing - usually a week at least - but my hair is long. I also found that using VCO on dry hair and leaving overnight and then washing it with an egg first to remove most of the oil and then using my soap bar and a vinegar rinse helped the most.
djh
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Lansdowne, Pa) on 01/20/2011
★★★★★
I have been taking ACV with water at least once a day for acid reflux. It has helped with this problem. I have been losing my hair for some time now. My hair is brittle and breaks quite easily. I have gone from shoulder length hair to about 1/2-inch of hair on my head with bald patches. Thankfully, there are some nice wigs available. I have been taking all the supplements necessary to stop my hair from breaking and falling out. My Dermatologist could not tell me what was causing my hair to break. He took scalp samples, consulted with another dr but neither of them could help. The topical steriods they gave me made it worse.
I used the ACV rinse but did not see any improvement. Two mornings ago I decided to add some lavender oil and rosemary oil to the ACV and kept in on my head for a little more than an hour. I then shampooed my hair. I towell dried my hair and put my regular moisturizer along with a little castor oil. When I got home in the evening instead of feeling dry brittle hair, my hair was moist and soft. I could not believe it!!!!!! I comb my hair and there was no hair in the comb!!!!!! I am going to continue with the regimen and will update.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Coregon (Medford, Or) on 08/30/2010
★★★★★
Note to Everyone about Hair Loss - The Apple Cider vinegar is NOT the culprit in Mary from NJ's hairloss. I've used ACV for years on my scalp in the shower (and left in) with no problems. (I have a sensitive scalp.. It only soothes it).
If you read Mary from NJ's post again you will see she MIXED full strength ACV AND PEROXIDE and left it on her hair and scalp overnight. Clearly it was the PEROXIDE that burned her hair and irritated her scalp causing hair loss. No hairdresser would leave Peroxide in hair and on scalp for 24 hours, and neither should we!! Also, those 2 ingredients never should have been used full strength together and left on scalp. I didn't want there to be a ACV panic.. It's still good stuff and harmless to the scalp, at least it has always been harmless for me for years. (I only use 2 T ACV to one pint of water mixture.. Why waste it when this is sufficient to create an acid environment on scalp?)
ACV is a known remedy to STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH, so why would it cause hair loss... In fact it DOESN'T! Certainly taking ACV internally would not cause hair loss either. Millions of people would be bald if that were the case :)
Hope this reassures people and they put ACV back on their list of great things to take!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tina (Utrecht, Netherlands) on 07/30/2010
To CB from Blaricum,
Is it true that Apple Cider Vinegar lowers your iodine level? I have been using it for 5 weeks now during a detox and have been getting a mega heart rate with my heart skipping beats. I went to the doctor this morning and he said my heart is perfect, he wants me checked for thyroid problems ( too quick working). But if I read your story, it could just be that I am taking too much Apple Cider Vinegar or am now lacking iodine. Groet, Tina
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Truda (Port Louis, Mauritius) on 06/17/2010
★★★☆☆
I wish to add that it's been over 2 weeks since i started the ACV orally and last rinse as advised by one of the friends above. My hair is more manageable as i said before and looks nicer but the hair still falls(the amount of hair loss varies as when i just wash my hair i lose more hair than normal days) i don't know whether it's due to dying my hair as i have graying hair so i must dye constantly. I would like some advise on what type of dye to use safe for fragile hair if anyone can help me.
By the way, i made the mistake of drinking ACV on an empty stomach and not eating all day as i had so much work two days ago. Conclusion: i ended up so sick i started throwing up and having loose stools all through that night. Make sure all of you eat after consuming ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Truda (Port Louis, Mauritius) on 06/11/2010
★★★★☆
hi, I'm 33yrs old and female, i have suffered from hair loss since i was 17 yrs old. Before i had long and thick hair. In those days all i had to do was pull at a my hair and it would fall, it was so loose at the roots. With time it just kept falling despite all treatments. I tried many shampoo's, pills and last resort was minoxidil solution. At first my hair stopped falling but the texture of my hair was very dry and terrible to manage.
It's an exaggeration if i say that i don't have hair at all but the crown is getting more and more visible and it's embarrassing when i go out to fancy places. I am trying the 2 tablespoons ACV with 1/4 tablespoons baking soda 2 times a day the final hair rinse with diluted ACV twice a week it looks more manageable and hair falls but i am not expecting a miracle right now. I just wanted to add to this person's testimonial as i feel I'm in the same position only thing that worries me is i don't know if i have fungus and whether i need iodine supplements.
thank you to all for your honesty and it really warms the heart to know that people care.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cb (Blaricum, Netherlands) on 03/07/2010
Hi Victoria, If you use a lot of ACV it is possible that you need to supplement with Iodine as the ACV breaks down the iodine (I got funny sensations in my chest that freaked me out!). If you are a stressed person (like me) you also need to take lots of food with vitamin B or take a B-complex supplement. For the restless legs magnesium is very helpfull. Kelp can be a good supplement for you as it contains iodine and magnesium a.o. Another very good supplement for hairloss is MSM (you can read about it on this site) it worked wonders for me as I had the same problem with my hair. Regards, CB
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Losinghair (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) on 03/05/2010
★★★★★
I started reading this post about a month ago. I read about apple cider vinegar for hair loss. I have been suffering hair loss for the last year and a half. I am in my mid thirties and always had long, thick hair. I noticed over a year or so ago, in certain light, my scalp was obvious around the top of my head (by the way I'm female).
I believe, all hair loss is bad, but I think for women it's much worse, mentally. It's not quite as acceptable to shave your head! I am already a major stresshead and this made me stress even more. I even stopped going out with friends.
I tried many natural hair loss products with no luck and eventually starting using minoxidil (which I ordered online because I was too embarrased to purchase from the chemist). Minoxidil did grow back some hairs but after 5 months, I began suffering major irritation. My head wouldn't stop itching and was flaky and developing sores.(I had never had any problems with itchy, dandruff head etc before.)
Anyway, getting to my point. After reading here about ACV, I decided to give it a try. I have been, and would try anything to grow my hair back. (I haven't used minoxidol in over a month). It has only been 2 and a half weeks and after drinking organic ACV with the mother every day, 3 times a day, I now have new hairs sprouting in my balding patches.
I recommend drinking ACV to anyone suffering hair loss! I also have been putting the rinse through my hair twice a week. It does smell a bit, but the difference is amazing, so much smoother.
DRINK ACV!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lisa (Ny, Ny) on 02/10/2010
Sulfate Shampoos are the cause.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bc (Melbourne, Vic) on 01/07/2010
Does anyone know anything about whether acv affects iodine absorption?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brenda (San Luis Obispo, Ca) on 11/26/2009
★★★★★
Last January I started using Apple Cider Vinegar to help with post holiday weight loss. About 3 months later I noticed that I had 1 1/2 inch sprouts of hair all over my head, particularly at the crown. I tried to figure out what caused this and the only change I had made was the ACV. I Googled "ACV, hair regrowth" and there it was! My husband started taking it and within a week we could see little hairs growing where there had only been shiny scalp before! He told the guys and work, and everyone who has tried it found it worked for them! Amazing! I was taking about 1 teaspoon at first. My husband 1-2 Tablespoons daily with a little pinch of baking soda.
We also started taking kelp tablets to help with the iodine depletion that sometimes accompanies ACV treatments. Another side benefit: my acid reflux is gone and my husband's snoring is greatly reduced.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Danamarie (Escondido, Ca) on 09/05/2009
I use one Tablespoon of ACV in a glass of cool water as the final rinse after washing my hair. I rinse one more time with cool water. The smell of the ACV will go away as hair dries.
I also supplement with biotin and MSM. My hair quit falling out almost immediately. By the way, you don't need to scrub your scalp with fingernails to get your hair and scalp clean. Massage gently with your fingertips and don't pile your hair up on top of your scalp to scrub. That causes more tangle that will break your hair off when you try to comb it out. Be gentle and comb, don't brush wet hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by May (Milwaukee, WI) on 04/19/2009
Recently I've noticed that my hair just gotten thinner then how it used to be. I'm not sure what the cause of this could be, but I am desperate to find a cure. I have not tried anything for my hairloss, yet, a friend of my boyfriend's did mention about using tomatoes as a shampoo to put in your hair. That won't make your hair thicker or grow more, but it will only make your hair grow long. Please do tell me more. Thanx.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (South Pasadena, CA) on 03/14/2009
Dear Priya or anyone else who uses acv as final rinse. Do you leave the diluted rinse in your hair or rinse it out like conditioner. Thanks, Angie
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wah (Newark, NJ) on 09/19/2008
Try using a shower filter, the water here is full of toxins. This may also be a part of the problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brandon (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) on 08/19/2008
Good afternoon. I have a question to everyone who has stated that ACV has helped re-grow their hair. The question is how long did it take before you saw the results? 3 weeks, 3 months, what?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chopra Sunil (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India) on 07/26/2008
dear sir/madam, i thank u for reply. still i have one qstn. to be asked... i m lost much of my hairs last year,can i know how does apple cider vinegar helps me out to regrow my hairs. thanking u. Sunil Chopra
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 07/21/2008 490 posts
To Chopra Sunil from India: Hello Chopra, I don't think you will find apple cider vinegar harmful before, during or after meals. Many people I know are drinking a glass of water with their meals, and put l tsp to l tablspoon of ACV in that glass of water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kristie (Talladega, Alabama) on 07/21/2008
Jabeen Taj: In response to your April 2008 post. Did the ACV help with your hairloss and rethicken your hair too?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by chopra sunil (visakhapatnam, andhra pradesh . India) on 07/21/2008
sir /madam. my question is .. that we should consume apple cider vineger before meales or after having food? can we take empty stomach?pl. reply. thanking you, chopra sunil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kristie (Talladega, Alabama) on 07/20/2008
In response to Anna from Ca postings...
Anna, I have had thinning hair since my late 20s, but have not had a hysterectomy but did have a procedure to remove precancerous cells from my cervix. I think this might have thrown me into menopause early. I have also had a lot of stress about the time it started for other reasons. I was wondering if you could email me some before and after pictures of you. I was wanting to compare you thinning problem to mine, since I am not sure what caused mine ([email protected]). My brother and cousin went prematurely bald, so mine could possibly be hereditary. I starting using the vinegar today and felt the burning within an hour after taking it. Is the juice/water necessary for the ACV alone? I haven't gotten the baking soda because I read on another site that ACV, red dates and honey are good. I will get baking soda this week and start using it as well. My problem has been ongoing for over 5 years. I really hope this helps.
P.S. I will be happy to send a picture of me, but it will be a little old, as I didn't take the time to find another cure for the thinning because it got so bad so quick that I resorted to wearing a hair system. If this works I will have to figure out what to do while the hair on the top of my head grows. I pray it does! Literally....
Any suggestions from anyone is great. There are so many scams out there that I am even skeptical of this, but it is cheap, so won't hurt to try it....
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anna (Elk Grove, CALIFORNIA) on 05/12/2008
HAIR LOSS: In response to questions about my post... For the first month 1 took 2tbl vinegar and 1/4 tsp baking soda in some juice and water (about 1 1/2 cups) two times a day. Then after the month, once a day,4 to 5 days a week. After the first month i had a burning sensation on the back of my head by neck like I was suburn. I read in a post that Ted said its because of the acid buildup being broken down and released through your blood. Maybe I had acid buildup in my hair folicles. I dont know. But I wasn't even taking it for my hair. I took it for insomnia and blood sugar which worked great. I hope it works for others as well as it did for me. Good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by IRMA (SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS) on 05/12/2008
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW ANNA FROM CA. USES THE ACV FOR HAIR LOSS. I STARTED TAKING HRT SINCE MY HYSTERECTOMY AND HAVE BEEN NOTICING MY HAIR IS THINNING AT THE CROWN OF MY HEAD. I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE MORE, PLEASE HELP. I AM DESPERATE! THANKS.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Boca Raton, FL) on 05/09/2008
I wanted to send an email to Anna from CA regarding her help from ACV for her thinning hair. I would like to ask her how much she takes and how often. Also, does she drink it and apply to hair or just drink it. I have had hair loss since i had my second child and can't seem to find anything to help. I have had blood work done, seen numerous doctors, etc and now I'm resorting to some possible natural cures. Thank You, Amy.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anna (Elk Grove, California) on 04/09/2008
★★★★★
I'm 48. Twenty years ago I had hysterectomy and my hair thinned very badly. I was embarrassed but doctors said there was nothing they could do. I tried everything. I finally gave up and 20 years later started taking ACV for other things and it worked great. The woman who cuts my hair asked if I was taking vitamins or what I was doing different. She said there was new hair growth and my hair was thicker. Now, 6 months later, and for the first time in 20 years my hair is back to normal. You dont understand how happy that made me. I couldnt believe it and wanted to share with Ted and readers. Thank you for your website!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by JABEEN TAJ (BANGALORE, KARNATAKA) on 04/07/2008
★★★★★
I use Apple cider vinegar daily in the morning before meals, the quantity is of about 2 table spoon. I had a problem of hairloss and joint pain.I am of only 35 years old.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wayne (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) on 05/13/2006
★★★★★
John wrote that taking Apple Cider Vinegar has caused his hair to grow. I had heard this from one other person about a year ago. In their case they massaged it into their scalp. I'd be interested in hearing testimonials from others out there who have had similar, positive experiences. I have just begun taking ACV orally for weight loss - am I soon going to have a full head of hair again?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Hesperia, CA) on 04/26/2006
★★★★★
I took Apple Cider to dissolve Gallbladder and kidney stones. I stopped getting kidney infections and can take vitamins again; I had to stop taking vitamins because it increased kidney discomfort. It appears as a side effect that my hair is growing back on my head.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vincent (Tampa, Florida) on 04/16/2007
★★★★★
I'm a college student and spent most of my money on car insurance, rent, books and college tuition. I have a problem with my hair, it constantly shedding every day for the last 4 years to the point where i can see different bald spot on my head. I tried prescription shampoo, over the counter, scalp sensitive shampoo and different type of shampoos but nothing work. After finding out about this website about cleaning your hair with apple cider vinegar, out of desperation, i gave it a try and at the first week, it didn't seem to work but i kept on trying for a month and i begin to see result. My hair isn't falling as much and in fact, i don't see a large lump of hair on my hand every time i shampoo any more ( i only see 2-5 pieces of hairs). My scalp feel clean, my hair is shiny and smooth and even my hair stylist noticed and complemented me.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Priya (Curepipe, Mauritius) on 04/23/2007
★★★★★
I had a rebonding done in Dec 2005. Eversince, my hair started falling, at first it wasn't that remarkable, but gradually, more and more hair was falling off everytime I showered or combed my hair. It was becoming alarming and then decided to try ACV which worked wonders in 1day only. I had some diluted ACV applied to my hair and scalp for about 6 hours and washed my hair. That day only less hair fell when I washed and combed afterwards. Since then, I use ACV as my last rinse. It's truly working wonders. Hats off to these wonders of nature.
