Can humans eat catnip?

There is historical evidence that humans have eaten catnip, although Real Clear Science reports it is typically ingested in other ways. Catnip is used in some medications and vitamins to treat anxiety and insomnia because of its calming and relaxing effects, reports WebMD.

People also apply the catnip plant directly to their skin to treat conditions like arthritis and hemorrhoids, according to WebMD. It is known to relieve swelling. People also smoke catnip as a replacement for marijuana to get high, particularly in the 1960s. Actual studies on the effects on humans of eating or ingesting catnip are limited, reports Real Clear Science.