Does This Viral Louisiana Headache Cure Really Work?

A video has recently resurfaced on social media, sparking both curiosity and debate over a unique home remedy for headaches, dubbed by some as the “Louisiana headache cure.” The video, posted initially by Anitra Powell on TikTok back in June 2023, shows a woman placing a glass of water on her child’s head, claiming it’s a traditional method in parts of Louisiana to treat headaches caused by sun exposure.

The video recently gained traction after @witchdoctoralex on X (formerly Twitter) shared it, leading to a flurry of reactions. The original post by Powell included the caption, “A tradition in these parts of Louisiana my son being treated for the SUN,” as the video captures water bubbling over a towel placed on the child’s head.

But does this remedy actually work?

According to a quick Google search, cold compresses, including a wet washcloth on the head, can indeed provide relief from headaches. The cooling effect can help numb the pain, and similar treatments have been used traditionally across various cultures. Placing a cold compress on the neck or forehead is a well-known practice, and it’s suggested to wrap ice in a washcloth to avoid skin damage.

However, this particular method of placing a glass of water on the head has left many people puzzled.

The internet has responded with a mix of amusement, skepticism, and nostalgia. Comments on the video reflect the diversity of opinions:

“When I see older people doing stuff like this, I don’t even ask questions; I just say yes, please, and thank you!” one user commented, highlighting the trust placed in traditional remedies.

Another user shared a personal story: “Baby, I had scarlet fever as a child. My New Orleans mamma, rest her soul, used potato skins, onions, and garlic to cure me in strange ways. I lived.”

Some users expressed their skepticism, with one saying, “Does this really work? Or are they just drowning my boy?” and another adding, “I don’t believe for a second that this works.”

Yet, the cultural significance of such remedies cannot be ignored. One commenter noted, “Holistic healing like this is fascinating. People forget so many learned remedies without medicine. It’s not voodoo; it’s generations of wisdom.”

In the end, whether this “Louisiana headache cure” is scientifically effective remains up for debate. While the cold compress aspect is supported by general medical advice, the use of a glass of water on the head might be more about tradition and the comforting belief in home remedies passed down through generations.

As for Powell’s son, whether his headache was cured or just distracted by the cold water running down his face, one thing is for sure—this video is the latest in a long line of unique Louisiana traditions that continue to captivate and mystify anyone who isn't from here.