Better, albeit exceptionally crude (5)
I believe the answer is:
cured
'better' is the definition.
(after being sick)
'albeit exceptionally crude' is the wordplay.
'crude' anagrams to 'CURED'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cured that I've seen before include "Restored to health" , "Healed - smoked" , "Healed - preserved" , "Preserved by drying, salting or smoking" , "Of ham, smoked or salted" .)