Celery, Apium graveolens L is cultivated for its seeds and essential oil. An improved method has been developed for maximum yield of essential oil with higher content of phthalides (the valuable constituent of oil), in short time, making the process economical. The method involves hydrodistillation using electric, microwave as well as steam heating. Effect of additional salt was also studied. Microwave contributed saving in energy, but did not improve yield.