As Kaitlyn Smith peddles her homemade bone-based broths in Bolinas and beyond, she is reviving an ancient panacea: gelatin. According to Ms. Smith, the use of gelatin as a healing agent dates back to ancient China; 200 years ago, French officials combined it with small amounts of meat and vegetables to feed troops and the homeless. Gelatin contains two amino acids and is a “hydrophilic colloid, which means that it attracts and holds liquids, [facilitating] digestion by attracting digestive juices to food in the gut,” Ms. Smith said. A native of Orcas Island, Ms. Smith is a musician, homesteader and farmer. She caters to local tastes for organic and local ingredients and tailors recipes to specific health or dietary needs. For details and ordering contact [email protected] or (415) 419.9349. Bone broths may be picked up on Mondays and Thursdays between noon and 3 p.m., with 24 hours notice, and home delivery is available.