A little tea to help in recuperation (3)
I believe the answer is:
cup
'a little tea' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'in recuperation' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'CUP' is hidden within 'recuperation'.
'to help' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cup that I've seen before include "'There's many a slip 'twixt ... and lip.'" , "Chalice; trophy" , "Award; mug" , "Trophy; drinking vessel" , "McCarthy, Walker or Maguire" .)