celery seed is used in complimentary medicine to reduce muscle spasms, calm the nerves, and reduce inflammation. In fact it has been claimed that celery seed alleviates the pain associated with certain inflammatory health conditions such as arthritis and gout. This may be where the anaesthetic properties come in? But that is the seed and not the actual plant bit, the plant bit is recommended for relaxation and reducing stress, so if it is really able to do this then it would be good for teething babies anyway! Whatever reason I would give celery to them if they like it as mine loves to chew it endlessly although I am sure none of it is actually ingested!