With some smoking methods you need to have a layer of herb or ash underneath the DMT. I've heard people mention both, but i don't know which one would be better or if it would even make a difference. The only thing i can think of is that the DMT might go into herb instead of just staying on the top like with a layer of ash, but maybe thats a good thing that it goes into the herb, i don't really know.

Would you recommend a layer of ash or herb? Or does it not matter?

If you're attempting to do a sandwich method I would personally use an herb bed on the bottom [densely packed], then the dmt freebase, then a thin top layer of herb.

Using herb as your bottom layer instead of ash is a better bet ime. A nicely packed bottom layer can allow the melting DMT to absorb thoroughly and infuse itself, without melting and dripping straight through [hence why I mentioned densely packed].

The top layer of herb should be relatively thin, to where you just nick the top layer of herb, draw the cherry on the top layer 'slowly', allowing that heat-front to build and move slowly toward the pile of DMT freebase, effectively melting it into the bottom layer, eventually vaporizing it in a few huge clouds.

I've had great luck using ash. I saved sig ash, -it's ultrafluffy. experiment and find what works best for you op

When I was using this method when I first started using, I always used some kind of herb. It is nice like tatt said to have a layer on the bottom with a thin layer on the top to help protect the DMT (as it is bad to have the flame directly touch the crystals!).

The herbs can also give a nice flavor to the vapor, depending on which herbs you use. Ash is also a byproduct and is not really something you are supposed to inhale, so I would think it is not as healthy to breathe as a fresh plant.

One of the issyes I had with herbs was accidental combustion. Ash actially made this step easier by eliminatig combustion altogether. Also depends on your screens.

There were alot of more refined ,ethods that I never got into. These days I dissolve it in pg/vg and drip it over a super low (.07ohm) resistance tc mod with fused claptons. I use swissrolled super short wicks; so by counting drops I can get a [retty close estimate as to how much dmt I'm vaping.

There's so many ways to skin this cat, but what it all comes down to is what road gets you there the best.

I also had that problem with accidental combustion, as sometimes the herbs would cherry which is not preferable.

After using herbs, I started melting the DMT into a health stone that I placed into a bong. I found that to be quite effective as it copied the method of the GVG somewhat, but I had to be very careful to make sure the flame did not touch the crystals.

Hola nexianos

When I started smoking this medicine i used to use the sandwich metod using cannabis in the bottom layer and white sage for the top layer. Used to load a lot of spice ( around 100mg!) in order to avoid some hit and miss issues that where quite common at the very beginning. This particular pipe had a medium sized bowl and it never took more than two big inhalations to have a full inmersive experience.
Then I started using a water bong with a smaller bowl. Still used the sandwish metod but the bottom layer was white salvia and a thick top layer made of cig ashes. Started to use a smaller amount of spice gradually (50-60 mg) since I learned to not over burn it.
Then I learned the Changa way of life ¡Changa en la Bonga! Now I rarely use freebase spice anymore.
Did two different batches one is a beautiful 1:1:1 spice/crude extract/mullein for breakthrough experiences for this I use a big bong with cold water and a small sized bowl.
The other one is a 1:2 spice/mint/sage without harmalas. I usually mix this with Cannabis and smoalk it in joints. Use this mix to enhace creative process and is also perfect for meditation or just to chill out and enjoy music.