From the archive record
Datura metel is a shrub-like perennial herb, commonly known as devil's trumpet and metel. According to Drug & Cosmetic Act 1940 & Rule 1995 this plant is banned in India to use in Ayurvedic medicine. Datura metel grows in the wild in all the warmer parts of the world, such as India and is cultivated worldwide for its chemical and ornamental properties. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1753, but no botanically correct illustrations or descriptions were made until after the New World was settled. It is not possible to be sure about its original home. Datura metel is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the ingestion of D. metel in any form is dangerous and should be treated with extreme caution. Datura metel may be toxic if ingested in a tiny qu