I filter the MHRB tea as it is easier to work with and no naphtha will get trapped in the sludge on bottom.

However, last time I filtered the tea as usual, reduced the amount and while it was hot, I added the salt. Usually I first filter the reduced liquid and add salt afterwards. Now I've got terrible yield of ~0.5%

When filtering the salted reduced liquid, I had to use cheesecloth as a piece of plasticky matter formed (something like a black bubble gum), that I am afraid ate most of the actives.

That goo was probably condensed tannins, which may well be capable of binding a significant quantity of DMT.

Attacking the goo with caustic soda would be worth a try.

Never throw anything away until you're sure you've got the goods!

Yes most likely tannins since the tea was black and liquid while at near-boiling temperature, but upon cooling it turns brown and got denser. Tannins are known to drop in solubility significantly with water temperature.

I will probably stick with filtration only to remove crude plant matter and then go ahead and add salt and the caustic soda.