Fungtional, Liquid Wisdom from the Forest

When therapist and young father Steven Beyers began to feel the fatigue and pressure of modern life, he found recovery in the power of functional mushrooms. Together with creative director Emiel Raeymaekers, he founded Fungtional, a brand that bridges ancient forest wisdom with modern simplicity. Their alcohol-free, organic tinctures bring the intelligence of Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps into daily life, designed for focus, resilience, and calm without peaks or crashes.

Interview with Steven Beyers, founder of Fungtional

In a few strong sentences, what does Fungtional bring and why?
We make alcohol-free, organic tinctures from functional mushrooms in liquid form so your body can absorb them easily. My goal is simple: something in your glass every day that calms stress, sharpens focus, and builds resilience.

Adaptogens – what are they really, and why are they becoming so important?
Think of them as smart helpers that gently nudge your system back toward balance. They slow you down when you’re in overdrive and support you when you’re depleted. In a busy life you don’t want twenty bottles of supplements; you want one thing that works on multiple levels. That’s the power of adaptogens.

Our bodies are under immense pressure from modern lifestyles, and people would need to take far too many supplements to find inner balance today. That’s why it’s better to take an adaptogen that supports several functions at once, and you’re always sure you’re doing no harm.

What’s your personal daily setup for balance?
Reishi first, to regulate cortisol and the nervous system. That’s where most people gain the biggest benefit. Lion’s Mane for focus, clarity, and memory, perfect for our screen-heavy culture. It’s also useful against brain fog, for ADD or ADHD, and in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or dementia.

What should people pay attention to when choosing mushrooms?
Organic is the foundation, because mushrooms absorb everything from their environment. Choose extracts, not just powders. Check that it’s made from the fruiting body, not the mycelium. Look for transparency about beta-glucans and extraction steps, as that tells you something about potency. You should always have a guarantee of at least 20 percent polysaccharides and 20 percent beta-glucans in the extract.

How do you ensure quality, and what should be visible on the label?
Species identification, extraction method, and beta-glucan values should be clearly shown. Testing for heavy metals isn’t common, but our supplier does it and certificates are available on request. That’s something you can always ask any company to provide.

What’s the biggest misconception?
That they’re miracle cures. They work subtly but consistently. Don’t expect fireworks; expect stability.

Do adaptogens replace medication? How can people use them safely?
No, adaptogens don’t replace medication, but I believe we too often use medication in place of adaptogens. Think of them as prevention and first-line support. Start with one mushroom, stick to the dose, use it for 30 days, then take a one- to two-week break to feel the difference. If symptoms persist, go see your doctor.

What’s a simple start-routine for today?
In the morning, two half-droppers in water, tea, or your latte. Done. I personally take mine before breakfast. Don’t start ten new things at once; you’ll never know what’s actually working.

How does Europe compare to the US and Asia?
As usual, we’re a bit behind. Functional mushrooms are already common in Australia, South Africa, and the United States, and have been used for over two thousand years in Asia. In Europe we’re only now seeing the first small brands appear in Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The demand is growing, but it’s still relatively new territory here.

Powder, tincture, or your choice – what’s the difference?
We chose alcohol-free liquid extracts. They’re quickly absorbed and easy to integrate into a daily routine.

Who or what do people support when they buy Fungtional?
Two entrepreneurs who aim to stay clear and conscious. We commit to 1 percent for the Planet, source as locally as possible in Europe, and are building our own cultivation site to grow and research mushrooms’ potential in bigger challenges such as plastic, PFAS, and pesticide pollution. A company with a vision for a more sustainable world.

How did Fungtional come to life?
Before founding Fungtional, I spent eight years traveling the world, living and working in nature. That’s where my foundation of knowledge began. When I returned to Belgium in 2022, becoming a father, I looked for ways to improve my own health, energy, focus, and relaxation. I always had a packed schedule. Soon I discovered functional mushrooms and genuinely felt the difference.

Reishi helped me decompress without alcohol, Lion’s Mane kept me present with my clients and my daughter, and Cordyceps gave me stable energy without sugar spikes.

As a therapist, I began sharing these mushrooms with my clients and saw the impact firsthand. That’s how the idea arose to reach more people and help them take ownership of their health and wellbeing. Around that time, Emiel Raeymaekers joined as co-founder and creative director, and together we shaped Fungtional – from brand language and product experience to partnerships and distribution. That was the beginning, and today you can find us at multiple partner locations.

Fungtional aims to make the silent intelligence of the forest tangible in everyday life. A brand that doesn’t shout but moves in balance. Start small, stay consistent, and let nature do its work.

Fungtional, liquid wisdom of the forest. For those who feel that true strength can be gentle.